2010 WUC Orienteering Update: ESA Seminar

BORLANGE – At the 17^th WUC Orienteering a seminar was held, led by Bengt Nybelius, Chairman of the ESA-Network. Nybelius was one of three speakers this morning and his focus was on the importance of being able to combine a good academic education with a professional career in athletics.

The ESA-Network, The European Network for High Performance Sport and Education are working together with A2B – Athletes 2 Business – to make the environment and surroundings easy for students who want to pursue a professional career in athletics while also getting a good education. They also work to promote the ESA-Network; to identify exemplary initiatives; and, most importantly, to encourage collaboration between sports federations and educational institutions.

Nybelius mentioned France and Finland, two countries that have successfully brought the fields of sport and education together. As well, he mentioned Dalarna University (Högskolan Dalarna) and Dala Sports Academy, both of which are involved with issues such as those mentioned above and both of which have been instrumental in the organizing of the 2010 World University Orienteering Championship in Borlänge, Sweden.

The University of Dalarna, one of the organizers of the 2010 WUOC  got the chance to present their sport profile that has been successful not just in orienteering but in a broad range of disciplines. ‘58 of Sweden’s total 79 official sports can be practiced here which makes it to a fantastic environment, for both studies and academic work’, said Marita Hilliges, Vice-Chancellor of Dalarna University. One success story is that of Susanna Kallur, who studied at Dalarna University while pursuing an elite career in the 100-metre hurdle event. 

Håkan CarlssonHåkan Karlsson, National Team Trainer for the Swedish Orienteering Association, talked about future improvements in the sport. The Swedish strategy is called “Offensive Orienteering” and the hope is to raise awareness and interest for orienteering so that it can develop as a sport. ‘To develop the sport, “the flame” has to be burning 365 days a year’, said Håkan Karlsson about the Swedish ways of development on multiple levels.

Perhaps the most appreciated speech of the day was given by Physiology Professor Michail Tonkonogi from Dalarna University. From the perspective of a physiologist, he presented attendees with what was for many of them new and controversial research information as well as case studies. Methods in nutrition and ways to plan exercise for maximum effect were some of the more interesting – and indeed controversial – theories that Michail Tonkonogi talked about.

Michail TonkonogiThis fascinating and extremely competent professor answered questions from curious attendees and provided his audience with much useful knowledge – while leaving many with surprised faces. His discussion will certainly not be forgotten by orienteering friends for some time.

As well as a wealth of useful information, the large group of leaders, athletes, and delegates who attended the seminars were also given a certificate of attendance.

(Source: Ted & Jonas, OC)

 Bengt Nybelius

Marita Hilliges