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Volunteer Profiles

Published: Wed 2 Jun 2021

As it is national Volunteers Week, we are shining a light on what our volunteers do and why. We hope to update this page every day with a little profile of someone who gives up their time to help.

We need more people to share about their volunteering. Please drop a few lines to chair@ ...


Richard in action

Richard in action

Richard Sansbury

When I first started orienteering I was really impressed straight away with the professional-looking maps, clever course setting, the smart timing systems and the efficient organisation. It was clear a lot of work went into each event but the resulting quality was well worth it. So it was natural to offer to do my fair share by helping at events. After a couple of years I felt I could do more and at one AGM I stuck my hand up to offer to join the committee.

I have held various roles for QO, sometimes up front but mostly behind the scenes, and then started also getting involved with SWOA committee and British Orienteering. In recent years personal circumstances meant I had to step back a bit from QO but not completely. I still plan and organise QO events which I find hugely rewarding, especially when part of a friendly team.

My current contribution is fixtures, helping to form a programme of orienteering events and competitions locally and nationally. So if you feel the orienteering diary is chaos then yes it's my fault! But trying to create some order around a complex set of restrictions and constraints is a tricky puzzle. Fortunately I do like problem solving.


Alasdair presenting a club instructional video (with full lockdown hair)

Alasdair presenting a club instructional video (with full lockdown hair)

Alasdair Shaw

I find it rewarding being part of a team working to provide opportunities for people to go orienteering. I also enjoy introducing new people to the sport.

My natural instinct draws me to the unglamorous aspects of organisation. From updating compliance documents to administering MapRun events, I like knowing that it all goes to improving everyone's enjoyment of our sport.

I was honoured to be short-listed for British Orienteering's Volunteer of the Year 2021 but I really just see what I do as being part of the wonderful team we have at QO.

Read more in the British Orienteering volunteers week feature...