Presented in Cagliari, the international project will culminate with the Five + Five Sardinia from September 29 to October 11.
Sport, tourism, and research come together in Orienteering 4 Research Sardinia 2025, an innovative project born from the collaboration between Sardegna Ricerche and PWT Italia, with the patronage of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, the Gutturu Mannu Regional Natural Park, Porto Conte Ricerche, and FISO Sardinia. The initiative, part of the Sport and Wellness 4 Research program, aims to translate scientific discoveries into effective and sustainable practices through the combination of physical activity, well-being, and innovation.
The project includes collaboration with CeRiSM – the “Sport, Mountain, and Health” Research Center of the Universities of Verona and Trento, led by Prof. Federico Schena, and with the University of Sassari under the direction of Prof. Lucia Cugusi. Internationally, a partnership will be established with the Lillehammer Olympic Center (Norway), and studies will be conducted during international events such as 5 Days Madonna di Campiglio and O-Ringen in Sweden.
The research results will be presented at a conference on September 29 at the Sardinia Science and Technology Park.
Education and school involvement
The project also focuses on education and youth engagement. From March 18, the provincial phases of the Sardinian Student Orienteering Championships will take place in various locations across Sardinia, with the regional final scheduled for April 11 in Arborea. Additionally, from May 5-7, a high-level course will be held by Jessica Lucchetta (PWT Italia), while Sardinian teachers will participate in a training program from July 5-12.
Sardegna Ricerche will also organize a team-building event in September, actively involving its staff.
Five + Five Sardinia: ten stages to promote Sardinia worldwide
The highlight of the project will be Five + Five Sardinia, an international competition taking place from September 29 to October 11, covering ten Sardinian locations to promote orienteering and the territory. Daily stages will unfold in breathtaking landscapes, from Su Guventeddu to Monte Gravellus, from Porto Ferro to the historic center of Alghero. New permanent cartographic facilities will be developed, leaving a lasting legacy for the community.
“Orienteering 4 Research 2025 is a concrete example of how sport can become a driver of innovation and territorial enhancement,” said Carmen Atzori, General Director of Sardegna Ricerche. “By combining science, well-being, and tourism, we aim to create a lasting impact for Sardinia.”
“Sardinia will connect with the international orienteering community,” added Gabriele Viale, General Manager of PWT Italia. “The event will contribute to the seasonally adjusted tourism and leave an eco-compatible cartographic heritage.”
The Mayor of Pula, Walter Cabasino, also expressed enthusiasm for the initiative: “The Gutturu Mannu Park and the local community will welcome athletes and their companions, showcasing the natural and cultural wonders of our territory.”
With 3 million practitioners worldwide, orienteering continues to prove itself as a sport capable of sustainably enhancing territories. Thanks to Sardegna Ricerche’s support, the discipline continues to grow in Sardinia with new facilities, school projects, and studies on disease prevention through outdoor physical activities requiring significant cognitive and mental effort.
The event is set: from September 29 to October 11, 2025, Sardinia will become the beating heart of international orienteering.