We continue our series of interviews trying to get an idea of the 'Open' event 5 Days of Italy 2014 which will be held in parallel to the World Orienteering Championships WOC and WTOC. The orienteers that have entered the event will be able to test and compete on the same terrains as the leading World Class athletes.

We are meeting Angelo Frighetto, Event Director of the 5 Days of Italy 2014.

.Hello Angelo, our interviews usually start with a short personal presentation, for those who do not know you.

I was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1962. I am married with 2 daughters , and I live in Selvazzano
Dentro , Padova.. I started practicing orienteering in 1982 with Polisportiva Bassano, and in 1983 I founded together with other friends Misquilenses Orienteering. Due to work commitments and family engagements , I took a break of about twenty years, following, anyhow, the evolution of orienteering in Italy . In 2005, I finally decided to compete again in orienteering signing up with ASD Erebus Orientamento Vicenza. After a few years of competing in the Open classes , I decided to quit running and start managing a team. I am currently the President of ASD Padova Orienteering. I love maps and I was the Head of the mapping group at the recent MTBO World Championships which were held in Vicenza in 2011, where I was also the leader of the Technical Secretariat , and I led the Team Leaders ' Meetings. Since 2010, I am a licenced IOF Event Adviser in both Foot-O and MTBO. I speak fluent English, Spanish and French .

.Can you explain what are the main tasks of the Event Director in an event such as the 5 Days of Italy?

Over two thousand competitors from 40 different nations will spend an unforgettable week in the areas of Veneto and Trentino. We are building an event that really works to promote sport and tourism at the same time. That is my main task.

. Can you give us a quick overview of the types of terrains chosen for the 5 Days of Italy and why were they chosen?

Actually, we chose the same terrains that were chosen for the WOC 2014. The events will begin in Venice, where the World Orienteering Championships Sprint Final takes place. We will then move to the mountains: the mountainous Plateaus of Asiago and Lavarone and the Valsugana Valley.
The terrains are very technical and the competitors will be really happy with what they will find.

.How much do you think the 5 Days of Italy and the WOC and WTOC may be useful to disseminate the culture of orienteering in a country like Italy where, unfortunately, it is not yet a well-known sport?

Orienteering is a challenging outdoor adventure sport that exercises both the mind and the body.
The aim is to navigate in sequence between control points marked on a unique orienteering map and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. It does not matter how young, old or fit you are, as you can run, walk or jog the course and progress at your own pace.
If you love nature, outdoor sports and you are always looking for something new, then you should choose this event. The territories of Trentino and Veneto, scene of the 5 Days of Italy 2014 will be capable of astonishing you with innumerable proposals: Sea, Mountains, Lakes, Art Cities, Food, and Wine.
We are building an event that really works to promote sport and tourism at the same time . The territory surrounding our event offers beautiful mountains, hills, lakes, vineyards, parks and historic sites, and in the recent years has received much acclaim because of its undeniable beauty. This year, it is set to become even more beautiful as it is the Capital of the World Orienteering in 2014.

.In the view of all the experience accumulated over the years, what are the challenges you had to face, and you expect to face, in the organization of the 5 Days of Italy?

Friendly encounters, fun, stimulating activity, and so many emotions !
These are the ingredients of this event, a terrific way to share our values and make it grow. We are the guards of something precious: It is our full commitment to do our job perfectly, producing an entertainment for the group and a proper development for the territory.
We believe in this value and we want to share it with the greatest number of people, by giving life to a positive short-circuit, lighting a spark to illuminate minds and hearts. And the meeting, the stimulation and the fun that characterize this event will bring a new growth and a new value. As at a successful party, where friendship exalts between those who participate .This is our spirit . This is what we can do and will do.