Congratulations to Don Young who has been inducted into the OA Hall of Fame. Don has made an outstanding contribution to the development of orienteering in Australia, principally through administration but also through event management and mapping.
Don was a founding member of Orienteering WA in 1974 and soon took on major leadership roles. In 1979 he was elected OAWA President and held that position until 1984. Under his leadership the OAWA Council was expanded and substantial improvements in mapping, coaching and competition organisation took place. These initiatives resulted in several Western Australian orienteers reaching Australian representative standard in 1985. During this period Western Australia conducted its first multi-day national event, the 1984 Spring West 3 Day.
Don also made a significant contribution to administration at a national level. He was a member of the Orienteering Federation of Australia (OFA) Council from 1981-1997, chaired the Magazine Committee, was Vice President (Development) and finally OFA President 1994 –1997.
As well as being a hard-working administrator, Don has excelled in orienteering competition. His passion for orienteering has seen him compete in 16 countries and he has represented Australia in Australia New Zealand Challenge competitions. On these travels he has been a fine ambassador for orienteering in Australia.
In 1997 Don received the Silva Award for Services to Orienteering and in 1998 was made a Life Member of OAWA.
Induction into the OA Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of Don’s initiative and efforts in contributing so significantly to the development of orienteering in Australia.
Photo: Don Young receiving his plaque at the end of the Kambarang Carnival.
Ngalak kaaditj nidja Noongar Boodjar. Koora-Yeyi-Kalyakool.