Heather Munro, sporting champion and World Orienteering bronze medallist was the star guest at Wimbledon Park yesterday, where she marked the opening of a new orienteering course.

Over 150 local school children turned up to witness and celebrate what will be the dawn of a new era for outdoor activity in Merton. Deputy Mayor, Councillor Peter Southgate, officially opened the new course, funded by the Big Lottery Fund, which strives to increase sports participation for communities.

Heather Munro along with the South London Orienteering and Wayfarers Club then got down to business and started coaching the children the art of orienteering, an activity consisting of cross country running with the assistance of a map and compass to help you navigate your way around the course.

Heather Munro speaking at yesterday’s opening said:

“Top Orienteers are as fit as Olympic athletes but anyone can take part in the sport at their own pace.”

Steve Day, Partnership Development Manager said:

“The new Orienteering course provides schools with another opportunity to develop their PE provision during PE lessons and at after school clubs. Wimbledon Park is now a focus for sports related activity allowing the schools to deliver high quality PE and school sport across all of their year groups.”

Copies of the various orienteering routes are available to the public in Wimbledon Park’s cafeteria.

Merton is delighted that Heather Munro has shown our pupils that sport can be enjoyed at every level.