Orienteering Australia are pleased to announce that the Nigel Aylott Memorial Sports Foundation (NAMSF) has provided ongoing funding to support junior MTBO competitors who have been selected to represent Australia at world championships.

Nigel Aylott was an extraordinary rogainer, paddler, orienteer, ultra-distance runner and adventure racer. Nigel won two Australian Rogaining Championships and the World Rogaining Championships. He set records in ultra-distance running including the Three Peaks in Tasmania. His successful adventure racing career included top-3 finishes in 2003 in Borneo, California and New Zealand.

Nigel, aged 38, died during an adventure race in the USA in 2004 and following his death, a memorial fund was established in his name.

Trustees of NAMSF have decided to distribute all remaining funds to support a range of junior sports, consistent with the purpose of the fund.

Australian representatives at the upcoming junior world titles in Bulgaria are the first to benefit from the fund. Maya Bennette and Lucas Kent have both received $1500 each to assist them to compete at the championships.

Orienteer, rogainer and friend of Nigel, Derek Morris said “Nigel was an outstanding person who had an endearing personality and was loved by all who met him. He always took the time and interest in helping and encouraging people in their sporting endeavours. Nigel spent time helping, volunteering and also introducing many new people to these sporting events. Nigel would be very pleased his foundation will continue to help support junior athletes.”

National MTBO Development officer Craig Steffens said, “Orienteering Australia and particularly MTBO welcome and thank this generous contribution from NAMSF to assist in the development of young riders”.