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ABOUT THE JK
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Most orienteers in the UK (if not the world) will have heard of the JK (Jan Kjellstrom International Orienteering Festival), but do we actually know who Jan Kjellstrom was, and how he was significant in orienteering in the UK?
Jan Kjellstrom was born on 12th April 1940 in Stockholm , Sweden. He was the son of Alvar Kjellstrom, who was the founder of the compass brand, SILVA. In 1966, Jan decided to travel to Britain to promote orienteering. He developed a very strong relationship with British Orienteering as he started competing in events, coaching new and effective navigation techniques and developed competitions. He had previously done similar work in Belgium and France. In June 1966, he attended a “Euro” meeting as an ambassador for the sport.
Unfortunately and tragically, In 1967, when he returned to Sweden, he was killed in a car accident. He died on 12th January 1967. News of this shook the ever expanding orienteering world and as he had had such a massive impact on the expansion of the sport in such a short amount of time.
To honour his work in the UK, the British Orienteering Federation (BOF), held the JK festival and in 1969, it was moved to the Easter weekend.
The JK has been held in the South East 8 times, however, this year, the JK will be held in the Lake District. The sprint will be held in the fast-paced, intricate Lancaster University. The middle distance will be held at High Dam which is a mixture of fast, runnable forests, rocks and open areas covered with bracken. Finally, day 3 will be held at Bigland which (as it’s name suggests) is a massive area, of runnable forest and open areas. These are some of Britain’s most premier locations which is very fitting for one of Britain’s most premier competitions.
I wish any DFOK members who travel up to the Lakes this Easter the very best of luck in your races! It will be a very good experience to orienteer in much more difficult terrains than the ones in the South East!
DAY 1: Lancaster University
DAY 2: High Dam
DAY 3: Biglands
RELAY: Dale Park
