The countdown to Scotland’s major sporting event of the year is entering its final 100 days with athletes from throughout the world preparing to descend on Moray and the Highlands for the World Orienteering Championships.
Scotland’s reputation as the ideal hosts for major events was firmly underlined by the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year.
Now it is the turn of the Highlands and Moray to extend famed Scottish Hospitality to the thousands of competitors and spectators taking part in World Orienteering’s showcase event.
Running alongside the Scottish 6 Days – for which 4000 entries have already been received – the World Championships will bring the attention of the world on stunning venues with the focus firmly on Forres on July 31 when the championship’s opening events take place around the town.
WOC2015 Director Paul McGreal said: “A great deal has changed since the last time the World Orienteering Championships came to Scotland in 1999. The sport has grown in stature throughout the world and this is reflected in the growing quality of our world championships over the years.
“As well as the elite athletes competing there are many thousands taking part in the Scottish 6 Days – and ensuring that everything runs as smoothly as possible we will have hundreds of volunteers from around the UK and beyond.
“We will have fantastic arenas set against the backdrop of some of the world’s most incredible scenery – but, above all, we will have the people of the Highlands who are renowned for their welcome to visitors.
“The stage is just about set for thousands of people in the Highlands and Moray and millions more looking on through live television coverage – in just 100 days we aim to showcase Scotland and our sport to the world.”
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland who are supporting WOC2015, said: “With just 100 days to go until the Highlands and Moray welcome the World Orienteering Championships, excitement continues to build with athletes around the globe preparing for their visit to Scotland.
“We have a strong track record and international reputation as the perfect stage for major events and I have no doubt that the Championships will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the sport and our event delivery credentials.”
A taste of what is to come – footage from the World Orienteering Championships in Italy last year.