JWOC 2016

[Bart]

It would seem as though this years JWOC team (or their parents) will again be forking out a rather large amount of money in order to get them to Switzerland. £1200 each to be precise. In order to help them I see a Crowdfunder page has been set up here -

http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/support-team-gb-orienteering-junior-world-champs/?

If you have any spare change lying around, down the back of the sofa or whatever, I think that this would be an excellent cause to put that money into!

[eddie]

Beat me to it. Please dig deep folks.

[Spookster]

Why is crowd funding a better route to generating financial support for a team than using existing sources like the Athlete Support Fund or the Orienteering Foundation? (I'm not saying it isn't - just want to know how this works, and whether you think it'll get broader support this way).

[eddie]

1. The internet. In a very quick set of moves (which are repeated in daily life often) its done
2. I decide where the money goes. If i like something i can fund it.

(Note - not at all wishing to devalue the previously mentioned funds both of which do sterling work)

[Arnold]

Could someone please explain how the £1200 was arrived at?

The Swiss seem to be doing an amazing job at organising the event (with the Nigglis in charge and several world champions planning). Most importantly, entry to the races is FREE OF CHARGE FOR ALL except for a £60 accreditation fee. A full board bed for the week even in one of the nicer accommodation options is about £350. Even allowing for expensive transport to get there, say £200, that's only £600.

Before I crowdfund I'd quite like to know what I'm funding...

[maprun]

Also how are the coaches funded? With an EGM on the future finances of BOF likely later this year, it would be helpful to understand how the major competitions are currently funded.

[eddie]

I don't know how the finances are constructed but I would say that £350 for accomodation for a week in Engadin/St Moritz in high summer is potentially on the cheap side (plus they are probably out for 10 days).

Also throw in car hire/fuel into the mix plus kit

[Arnold]

The £350 comes from the JWOC website recommended accommodation. There are cheaper options but I took a 4-bed full board room in a youth hostel or "pension".

The free entry also includes free transport to all events so there shouldn't be any need to hire a car, plus public transport in Switzerland is excellent.

Coaches and kit fair enough, but for £600?!

[eddie]

Fair play. I didn't get a chance to look in-depth. Thanks for doing so.

One thing to say is I doubt this is being used as a money making opportunity for athletes/coaches/British Orienteering!

[Homer]

I doubt this is being used as a money making opportunity for athletes/coaches/British Orienteering!

I'm sure you're right but I do wonder what Bart's motivation might be in starting this thread?

I'd have paid your £1200 if you had been selected Bart! If you want to put a bid in for funding your alternative summer plans please do. Just don't expect £1200!

It would be very interesting to see a breakdown. I'll have to compare notes with my Kiwi friends who have offspring competing at JWOC....

[Arnold]

I'm sure it isn't a money making venture for BOF.
But I do wonder whether they are being as efficient as they can be, given that resources are limited and athletes are funding it out of their own pocket.

[Lard]

Nobody, nobody should be asked to contribute so much for a trip to Europe.
I hear the Pre-JWOC camp for next year's JWOC, which most of these guys are also invited on, has a personal contribution of £800 also. With these funds I wouldn't have been able to go if I was a junior, I'd have been "priced-out".

These figures are crazy. I pity the poor athletes who have enough on their plate paying the up-front contributions required to be part of the Talent Programme and making their way through college/university.

This is ALL wrong.

[buzz]

I think the £1200 funds a Pre-JWOC weekend camp as well (either at Scottish Champs or British Sprint/Middle).

Still seems a lot of money, is there any subsidy from BO or Sport England or is this the full cost? Does the £1200 include assembly expenses?

I hope basketball isn't as expensive (mini-buzz1 seems to be heading in that direction!)

[Lard]

I hope basketball isn't as expensive (mini-buzz1 seems to be heading in that direction!)

I'm certainly won't be pushing my kids towards orienteering in a rush.

[housewife]

Hmm. I thought Sport England money went towards junior development and performance. If it doesn't fund these trips, then were does the money go? In what way is Sport a England financing helping our sport?