Mini-Orienteering at the Seaplane Harbour
by Adam Awachi and Kenneth Koort
in Tallinn, Estonia
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Three checkpoints on the route Adam and Kenneth planned — what they built, why it mattered, and who it was for.
What it was
A mini-orienteering activity at the Seaplane Harbour in Tallinn, using a simple orientation format that let visitors move, explore the site and take part in a low-threshold Sport for All experience at their own pace.
Why it was needed
To offer easy, enjoyable physical activity in a community setting; use orienteering as a tool for movement and problem-solving; engage children, young people, adults and families; and give the REACH team hands-on delivery experience.
Who it reached
The general public, with particular relevance for children, young people and families - designed so no prior orienteering knowledge or equipment was needed to join in.
PROJECT AT A GLANCE
TOTAL PARTICIPANTS
330
individuals directly involved in the project
AGE RANGE
2-85 years old
A diverse mix of children, youth and seniors
WOMEN AND GIRLS
55%
of project participants
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
2%
of project participants
The music and the sports, the orienteering, it creates a really energetic and fun atmosphere.
Event Participant
We believe that sport is much more than physical activity. It creates friendships, builds confidence, brings together people from different backgrounds and gives young people the opportunity to make a real difference.
Kenneth Koort,
Project Co-lead
It was very fun, I liked it, and more people should do more often these kind of events.
Event Participant
GLOBAL FRAMEWORKS ALIGNMENT
How the project connects to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and TAFISA's Mission themes.
UN SDGs
TAFISA Mission 2030
What did Adam and Kenneth Gain?
Project planning skills
Strengthened skills in goal setting, role allocation, timeline planning, stakeholder coordination and designing an accessible activity for a broad public audience.
New skills acquired
Learned how to design and deliver an inclusive, low-threshold Sport for All activity in a non-traditional setting, putting CLC leadership and project-management learning into practice.
Implementation skills
Developed leadership, communication, teamwork and adaptability through managing participants and solving practical challenges during a live public event.
Evaluation skills
Gained experience in tracking participation, observing delivery and reflecting on results and areas for improvement.
Other skills enhanced or gained
Built experience in event logistics, quick decision-making and communicating an unfamiliar activity in a clear and engaging way.
OUTCOMES
Tangible
-
330 people directly took part in the mini-orienteering activity
-
One complete activity was designed and delivered in a public cultural setting
-
A route and checkpoint concept, with a participant guidance approach, was tested in the field
-
A format took shape that can be adapted for other community events and public spaces.
Intangible
-
Visitors left with a sense that physical activity can be simple, playful, and folded into an everyday or cultural outing
-
The organising team gained confidence leading a community activity from the ground up
-
The day became a working example of cooperation between Sport for All and a public cultural venue
CHALLENGES & LEARNINGS
CHALLENGES
Keep It Simple
The activity needed to be easy to understand and flexible enough to work in a busy public environment.
Be Ready to Adapt
Participant flow, ages and experience levels varied throughout the event, requiring clear guidance and flexibility.
Plan Evaluation Early
Open participation made detailed data and feedback difficult to collect. Future activities should build in simple evaluation tools from the start.
LEARNINGS
For Next Time....
Future editions should maintain the simple and flexible format while introducing light-touch evaluation tools, such as a tally sheet or optional QR feedback form. Pre-defined indicators would also help capture participant profiles, experiences and learning, and strengthen impact reporting.
TRANSFERABILITY
& IMPLEMENTATION
KEY STEPS
1
2
3
4
5
Design
Design a short and accessible mini-orienteering route.
Prepare
Prepare the route, checkpoints and participant instructions
Organise
Deliver
Organise on-site guidance and volunteer support
Deliver the activity within the public event programme
Review
Record participation and review the implementation
Resources Needed
The activity requires basic orienteering materials, checkpoint markers, clear participant instructions, staff or volunteer support, and a suitable public space. The format can be adapted to the available venue and does not require a dedicated sports facility.
Getting People Involved
The activity can be promoted through the wider event programme and partner communication channels. Keeping participation open and flexible allows visitors to join throughout the activity without advance registration.
Making It Accessible
No previous orienteering experience is required, and participants can complete the activity at their own pace. The route and instructions can be adapted to different ages, abilities and levels of physical activity experience.
Partnerships
The project strengthened cooperation between the Estonian Sport for All Association and local community and cultural event organisers. Working with local community and event partners can support promotion, access to public spaces and delivery.
Making It Last
As the format is simple and low-threshold, it can be reused or adapted for community events, cultural venues, parks and other public spaces. The experience gained can also support future youth-led Sport for All activities.
Next Steps
Share the approach as a REACH good practice, explore opportunities to replicate or adapt the activity, and apply the lessons learned to future youth-led community projects.
