Orienteering 4 Research Sardinia 2026: events, training and outdoor

Orienteering 4 Research Sardinia 2026: sport, research and landscape

The Orienteering 4 Research Sardinia program returns, linking practical orienteering, scientific study and local territory promotion. Led by Sardegna Ricerche with SSD PWT Italia, local authorities and universities, the initiative promotes orienteering as a tool for health, education and nature exploration.

Program overview

Activities include training for teachers and coaches, scientific conferences, team building events and competitions for both athletes and recreational participants. Cartography updates and three permanent Code Hunter installations will be created in Piscinamanna, Batteria Boggio and along Pula's river trail.

App and technology

PWT Italia's technology allows each installation to become a low-impact challenge via a free app: participants access maps, locate checkpoints and use navigation skills combined with natural context reading and compass use.

Research and outreach

Sardegna Ricerche will coordinate research with the universities of Cagliari, Sassari and Verona: seminars, cognitive tests during competitions and sessions focused on psychology, neuroscience and athletic performance. Training courses for schools and practical sessions for students and local clubs are planned.

Main events and schedule

The program culminates in the itinerant Five + Five Sardinia, recognized as an International Open Meeting by FISO. Key dates and stages include:

• 28 September 2026 – conference on research and innovation at Piscinamanna (Pula)
• 29 September 2026 – Cagliari historic centre (Sunset Sprint)
• 30 September 2026 – Piscinamanna (Sprint)
• 1 October 2026 – Pula historic centre (Sprint)
• 3 October 2026 – Is Arenas wood (Middle, 2 stages)
• 5 October 2026 – Badesi historic centre (Sunset Sprint)
• 6 October 2026 – Baia Paradiso (Middle)
• 7 October 2026 – Sorso wood (Middle, 2 stages)
• 8 October 2026 – Castelsardo (Sprint)
• 9 October 2026 – Alghero Grand Prix (Sprint)

The event runs from 28 September to 9 October 2026, featuring regional food tastings and cognitive testing by neuroscientists and psychologists from participating universities.

Education and community impact

Planned activities target schools (student competitions and hands-on learning), teacher and coach training, and team building for Sardegna Ricerche staff. Events will be held across Pula, Cagliari, Oristano, Sassari, Badesi and Sorso.

Why join

Orienteering offers a multidisciplinary outdoor experience that enhances navigation skills, cognitive ability and knowledge of natural and urban environments. Participation supports scientific research, sustainable tourism and territorial promotion in Sardinia.

Organisers: Sardegna Ricerche, SSD PWT Italia, Autonomous Region of Sardinia, Municipality of Pula, Parco Naturale Regionale Gutturu Mannu, universities and FISO.