Movement of WM relay is examined intensively

Four days after the gale in the region of Rapperswil/Jona the damage in the Chlosterwald has been assessed in detail by the organizing committee of the OL WM 2003. Thereby it had to be noted that a fair and non-dangerous WM relay also in the middle part of the forest between Wangen and Schmerikon, which has not been hit as severely by the storm, seems hardly possible at this time. Hence the probability is fairly low to hold at least a relay on shorter courses – as it has previously been under consideration.

For this reason the WM organizers currently evaluate under high pressure possible alternatives. A process for preparation that would otherwise take several years for the other WM finals, has to be managed within some two and a half weeks only. Besides the agreement from the International Orienteering Federation IOF for the new relay concept and the definition of a fair admittance rule for the athletes, the possible selection of a new terrain especially requires also the information and arragments of all property owners (finish arena), communities and possible private forest owners, hunting and forestry authorities.

Big additional expenditures – high extra costs

It is only then when the works for the special orienteering map and the planning of the challenging forked running course in the terrain can start. At the same time the detailed planning of the orienteering association Stäfa and its volunteers, which has been the responsible group for the execution of the relay in the Chlosterwald, can start. They too have to negotiate agreements with all involved organizations and suppliers.

The possible cancellation of the WM relay in the Chlosterwald and its transfer on short notice might generate non-insurable extra costs of expectedly some CHF 50,000.- to the organizers of the OL WM 2003.

A final decision on the relay of the OL WM 2003 is anticipated on this Tuesday, July 22, 2003.

Posted: 2003-07-20 12:03:28