South East Lancashire Orienteering Club’s Junior Captain, Florrie Taylor, proudly represented the North West Junior Squad at the Junior Inter-Regional Championships (JIRCs) recently. An exciting event which, this year, was hosted by the North West team in the tough, but excellent terrain of the South Lakes.

The Individual event took place on Saturday on the stunning yet challenging woodland and open fell terrain of Torver Back Common, followed by the relay races on Sunday across the sand dunes at Haverigg. Over 200 juniors from across the UK took part, enjoying a full weekend of competition, camaraderie, and fun.

Florrie shared her experience:

“I was in the squad for the Junior Inter Regional Champs which this year was hosted by us, the NW Juniors in the South Lakes. The Individuals event was held on the woodland and open fell of Torver Back Common on Saturday with relays on the sand dunes at Haverigg on Sunday. The 200+ juniors spent Saturday evening at Ulverston Victoria High School for evening meal, presentation and the traditional ceilidh. Our alarms went off at 6am on Sunday to get packed up and breakfast before setting off at 7.30 for the 9am mass start of the girls relay race. The NW girls team finished the weekend in 3rd place and the whole squad 4th, narrowly behind SW. Scotland were this year’s winners with Yorkshire and Humberside 2nd. It was a brilliant weekend!”

Florrie’s enthusiasm and commitment continue this week as she heads to Hawkshead for the latest Junior Training Weekend, joining talented young orienteers from across the country to further develop her skills and experience.

Florrie also played a key role in her absence at the SELOC’s Regional event at Haigh. Florrie supported her dad Chris in planning the junior courses showing an ever expanding knowledge of the sport. .

Everyone at SELOC is incredibly proud of Florrie’s achievements and leadership, both as a competitor and a role model for our growing junior section.

Well done, Florrie and best of luck at Hawkshead!