You are warmly welcome to the most traditional Finnish orienteering and holiday week - Kainuu Orienteering Week. This year the event will be held in Suomussalmi.
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The year 2024 for Kainuun Rastiviikko association was finally more successful after the challenging post-pandemic years (2022-2023):
– We made better route choices, smoother control takings, and reached the finish with a good result, says the Secretary General Jukka Liuha
Read moreKainuu Orienteering Week in Sotkamo offers orienteering enthusiasts an unforgettable holiday week. In addition to orienteering, there is a diverse range of activities for the whole family during the rest days of the week. The stunning nature of Sotkamo and Vuokatti, along with various activities and cultural attractions, ensures that everyone finds something to enjoy.
Read more about the 2025 Orienteering Week’s additional programs on our website and plan an unforgettable summer holiday in Sotkamo and Vuokatti!
Read moreThe difficulty and length of courses for children and youth in orienteering competitions gradually increase from one age category to the next. During Orienteering Week, the youngest competition category is for 8-year-olds, followed by categories spaced 1–2 years apart. The courses for 8–10-year-olds are called “RR routes” (from the Finnish rastireitti, or control point route). Boys’ categories are marked with an H (for herrat, gentlemen), and girls’ categories with a D (for daamit, ladies). For example, H8RR refers to the control point route for 8-year-old boys, and D8RR for 8-year-old girls.
Typically, children and young people compete in their own age category, but if they wish for a greater challenge, they can compete in an older category. In competition categories, children and youth must orienteer on their own, while in open categories, parents or friends can accompany them if necessary.
Read moreIn recent years, children’s orienteering courses have sparked plenty of discussion. Early this year, we’ll shed light on the course design team''s thoughts behind the planning process and highlight the differences between skill levels. We’ll also introduce the people working on the course designs for Kainuu Orienteering Week.
"Our central idea in course design is to ensure that every child and young person has an experience that suits their skills and abilities," explains team member Annastiina Vanhala.
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