In Irkutsk they are preparing for the Russian Azimuth 2013 orienteering competition, where participants must use a map and compass to find checkpoints as fast as possible. Children, juniors and adults will take part, with results in 16 age groups. Winners and prizewinners will receive medals, diplomas and cups, and the competition will be held in 71 regions of Russia.

Orienteering is one of the most popular intellectual sports. Its essence is to use a map and compass to find a certain number of control points in the terrain and reach the finish as quickly as possible. The course is shown on the map using circles. The control point is located in the center of each circle. Participants choose the sequence of passing the points on their own. At each control point there is a punch, with which a mark is made on the control card. The route to the next point is not defined; each person chooses for themselves how best to get there.
Orienteering requires certain knowledge of topography, skills and abilities to read a sports map and choose a rational route. In addition, the athlete must be able to run quickly and promptly assess the situation. It is planned that children, juniors and junior girls, as well as adult athletes, will take part in the competitions in Irkutsk. The results will be summed up in 16 age groups. All prize winners of the competitions will be awarded medals and certificates from the Russian Ministry of Sport, and the winners will also receive cups.
The Russian Azimuth orienteering competitions were held for the first time in 2006. Then more than 170,000 people took part in Russia. This year, the competitions will be held in 71 constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
The organizers of Russian Azimuth – 2013 in Irkutsk are the Ministry of Physical Culture, Sports and Youth Policy of the Angara Region, the Center for the Development of Additional Education for Children of the Irkutsk Region, the Irkutsk Regional Rural Sports and Recreation Club Kolos, and the Irkutsk Region Orienteering Federation.
Based on materials from the press service of the Ministry of Physical Culture, Sports and Youth Policy of the Irkutsk Region