World Orienteering Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about World Orienteering Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. World Orienteering Day is celebrated on May 10th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of World Orienteering Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you might want to know about World Orienteering Day.

📅 What day is World Orienteering Day 2024?

In 2024, World Orienteering Day is on Wednesday, May 10th. It is the 2nd Wednesday in May; in 2024, it is Friday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all fascinating details and facts about May 10, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

World Orienteering Day is a yearly event held in May, organized by the International Orienteering Federation (I.O.F.). It usually coincides with the start of World Orienteering Week, which follows the World Orienteering Championships. This year, World Orienteering Day will take place on May 10th, with the aim of raising awareness of orienteering among young people and encouraging their participation in orienteering events at schools. Orienteering has been a recognized profession since the nineteenth century, and the International Orienteering Federation introduced this day in 2006 to enhance the visibility and accessibility of the sport.

📜 World Orienteering Day History

Orienteering is a sport that involves navigating through unfamiliar terrain using a map and compass while moving quickly. It can be done individually or in groups, and is most commonly done on foot, but can also be done on skis, bikes, or in mountainous areas. The sport originated in the military as a way to train soldiers in navigation, but has since become a popular competitive sport for both military personnel and civilians. The International Orienteering Federation was established to promote the sport globally, and World Orienteering Day was created to introduce young people to the sport and provide resources for schools to incorporate it into their curriculum.

✅ World Orienteering Day Facts

🔖 There is a flag for it
The flag used for international orienteering is divided diagonally, with the top half being white and the bottom half being orange.

🔖 Speed is key

🔖 It’s not in the Olympics
Efforts to include orienteering as an Olympic sport have been ongoing since 1966, but it has not yet been officially included in the Olympic Games.

👍 Why Is World Orienteering Day Important

We should all be enthusiastic about participating in any sort of physical activity. Sporting holidays are always activity-centered, and this day promotes the specific activity of orienteering.

Orienteering can be an individual sport, but it is more enjoyable when done in groups, and the majority of the day’s events are group-based. This allows us to meet and mingle with new people while also bonding with them in a unique competitive way.

Orienteering requires the acquisition of new skills such as map and compass reading. What’s not to love about World Orienteering Day? This single sport teaches us other important life skills.

🙂 How To Observe World Orienteering Day

⚡ Watch the sport
There are many TV channels solely focused on orienteering, a sport where you navigate through unfamiliar terrain. Today is a great opportunity to unwind with loved ones and experience orienteering for yourself. You can even catch up on the highlights of the World Orienteering Championships by watching recaps on TV or online.

⚡ Participate in an event
Today, orienteering groups from different countries come together with the I.O.F. to organize various activities in different places. You can visit the I.O.F. website to find a list of activities happening today and throughout the week. Select an event that suits your abilities and past experience, gather your loved ones, and have a great time!

⚡ Register for an event
The International Orienteering Federation is extending an invitation to all affiliated clubs, groups, and organizations to register their upcoming orienteering events on their official website. Additionally, if you are a teacher, administrator, or principal, you have the opportunity to register your school on the website and have an orienteering event organized for your students within the next week. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to showcase your orienteering event to people from around the globe.

📅 When is World Orienteering Day?

View all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Activities holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about World Orienteering Day. So be sure to check back soon.