MANITOULIN—The Manitoulin Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Corps participated in the Northern Ontario area and regional cadet biathlon competition, January 27-29, at the Algoma Rod and Gun Club in Sault Ste. Marie.
“This was the first time we have competed at the biathlon in many, many years,” said Lieutenant (Navy) Slyvain Boucher, Commanding Officer of 348 Manitoulin Sea Cadet Corps. “It had been more than 10 years since the corps last participated in biathlon, but when the opportunity presented itself this year, we jumped on the chance to bring it back as an activity for our cadets.”
Eight cadets were selected and issued biathlon equipment, said Mr. Boucher. Acting Sub-Lieutenant Miranda MacKay, who recently returned to the corps as an officer, took the coaching course in Sudbury and was handed the challenge of bringing a team together for this year’s competition. He explained that getting the cadets ready to participate was challenging as the weather did not cooperate, “but they still managed to get a couple of practices on skis before attending the competition in the Soo.
Biathlon incorporates skate skiing and target shooting, using .22 rifles, explained Mr. Boucher. Five cadets and two officers travelled to Sault Ste. Marie.
“During the weekend, all cadets had the opportunity to experience biathlon by learning to skate ski, safe handling and shooting a .22 rifle on the range, and of course, compete in their select age group races,” said Mr. Boucher.
Mr. Boucher said, “one of our cadets got a special recognition for sportsmanship/spirit. Petty Officer First Class Lydia Pennings completed two races and even though she came in last, she never gave up and pushed herself to complete both. She was selected by her peers as the recipient of the MWO Ed Slade Sportsmanship/Spirit Award for constantly demonstrating sportsmanship during the NOA biathlon competition.”
“We did not win or place for the upcoming provincials, but Manitoulin cadets will be returning next year, better and stronger, using the skills they learned over the weekend,” said Mr. Boucher.
