European Masters Games

[IanD]

Orienteering features in something called the European Masters Games, in Northern Italy in September. http://www.lignano2011.it/index.php?lingua_sito=2

This looks at first sight like a European version of the World Masters Games, and I know that the quadrennial linking of the World Masters Orienteering to the World Masters Games is not universally popular.

I wonder whether enough good 35+ orienteers will be adding the European Masters into their schedule to make a worthwhile competition?

[EddieH]

I doubt it, at least I believe it is the same vastly profit makijng organisation, more interested in their pockets than a serious athletic venture.

[DJM]

I doubt it too. Previous EMGs have had orienteering entries in the hundreds rather than the thousands AFAIK.

[EddieH]

Indeed the World Masters Games used to be like that until the IOF forced us to combine. I remember camping in Austraia near someone who proudly proclaimed himself to have been the champion when WMG had been in Adelaide. Apparently there had been another competitor
This "champion" had almost zero orienteering skills. The qualifying race were in easy terrain, yet he failed to finish either day and in the final he failed to find a single control.
Apparently the WMG in Adelaide had been sort of park O. Imagine travelling the World for that

[Ravinous]

Last EMG was in Gothenburg 2008. There were a couple of hundred orienteers there I seem to remember - pretty poor seeing it was in Scandy. Not aware any Brits were there. Can imagine being Italy it won't attrach so many. I have tried to communicate with them but never had any response - re: marketing in the UK. At the moment, I am struggling to recommend it to anyone...
Spoke with some Italians today at Jukola about Turin WMOC/WMG in 2013. They were not aware there was an organiser yet...

[Gross]

There's been a monthly newsletter circulated for the last year or so (or so it seems). Contact email is: EMG Lignano 2011 <info@lignano2011.it>

[Ravinous]

Like I said Gross, I have contacted them 3 times now I think and had no response. Using the e-mail you state. First was at the end of 2009 when I first found out about EMG2011 at WMOC 2009 where they had a stand. I am on their mailing list so get the monthly e-newsletters.
Anyone from the GBR going?