Canadian Orienteering Federation - History

History

The Canadian Orienteering Federation was founded and incorporated in 1967 and initially consisted of three member associations, those of Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. In 1968 the COF became a member of the International Orienteering Federation and the first Canadian national orienteering championship was held in Gatineau Park just outside of Ottawa on August 10. In 1972 the COF sent its first team to the World Orienteering Championships (WOC) and by 1975 consisted of 8 provincial associations. In 1976 Orienteering Quebec organized the first 5-Day International competition held outside of Europe which attracted over 900 participants. In 1985 Canadian Ted de St Croix placed a landmark 10th at the WOC in Australia, at that time a best ever placing by a non-European orienteer. A year later, in 1978, Ted won his 11th consecutive Canadian Championships title clinching the record number of consecutive titles by a Canadian in any sport. That same year the Hamilton King Forestors OC organized a World Cup race in the Dundas Valley and Denise Demonte of the Hamilton King Forestors claimed 4th place, a best ever World Cup result by a North American. In 1990 two major international events were held in Canada, the Asia-Pacific Orienteering Championships in British Columbia, and a World Cup race in Caroline hosted by the Alberta Orienteering Association. In 1992 Canada hosted its third World Cup race in Ganaraska Forest, Newcastle Ontario. In 2000 the Orienteering Association of New Brunswick (ONB) held, in conjunction with the Canadian Orienteering Championships, Canada's first two World Ranking Events in Rockwood Park, Saint John, and Fundy National Park. In 2002 the Asia-Pacific Orienteering Championships returned to Canada, this time in Alberta. In 2005 the Alberta Orienteering Association hosts another major international event, the World Masters Orienteering Championships. That same year Canadian Sandy Hott placed 9th in the middle distance at the WOC, a new best result by a North American at the WOC and a then best ever result by a female non-European. In 2006 the Saskatchewan Orienteering Association joined the COF and hosted the Canadian Orienteering Championships a year later. In 2011 the COF introduced the concept of Canada Cup Events and the Canada Cup Elite Series.