okansas.blogspot.com Occassional thoughts about orienteering
Monday, September 23, 2002
Speaker
Before I write anything about the relay race itself, I thought I'd write a few words about the announcing.
The announcer, Vladimir Gusiatnikov (assisted by Mike Schuh and probably some others) did a great job. Throughout the event, he kept the crowd (a total of about 300 orienteers) informed about what was going on. But it wasn't just updates, Vlad also threw in some color commentary. He began by speculating about the favorite teams. He interviewed Dan after he finished the first leg. He kept the crowd entertained.
Having an announcer at an A-meet is relatively rare. I can't remember an announcer at any other A-meets I ran in the last year. That's too bad.
I wonder why more meets don't have announcers? It probably costs a bit. You've got to get a PA system and you need to invest some time. But, it really improves the atmosphere at the meet. It makes it feel more like a sporting event.
I suspect it doesn't cost any more, and might cost a bit less, to have an announcer than to have e-punching. Personally, I'd rather have an announcer than electronic punching. Maybe I'm in the minority.
posted by Michael |
7:59 PM
