Cadets from 386 Komox Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Comox dominated the podium in nearly every category at the Vancouver Island Cadet Zone Biathlon Competition Jan. 13 at Mount Washington. They may have a chance to compete against cadets from around the province next month at the B.C. Cadet Provincial Biathlon Competition.
They were among 44 cadets from Vancouver Island testing their fitness, teamwork and marksmanship skills over a six-kilometre course. Cadets competed in junior (12-13 years), senior (14-16) and youth (17-18).
The team was comprised of local cadets Lewis Dawes, Jeremy Ferland, Daniel Gilfillan, Brandon Jackson, Christina Matchett, Nolan Miller, Victoria Moore and Chole Pritchard. Their coach is civilian instructor Brad Matchett, assisted by Lieutenant Myriam Boily. Rounding out the Comox contingent were two army cadets, Garrett Mousseau and Declan Vandervaate, of 1726 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, who trained with the air cadets for biathlon practices.
This year, the team had the community standing behind them to help contribute to their success. This was the first year in recent years that the team has received sponsorship from local businesses including Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC, OK Tire, Dunn Rite Towing & Recovery, Dr. Patrick Johnson, Dr. Christopher Kippel, A & E Marine, Monterra West Homes, Comox Valley Towing and Recovery, and Carstar Collision. This community sponsorship not only enabled the cadets to have additional practices leading up to the competition, where many may have secured a position to compete at the provincial competition, but also assisted the team in purchasing some much-needed equipment.
Once results from around the province are published, the cadets will learn who will be attending the provincial competition at Mount Washington, Feb. 9-10.
The cadet biathlon program is a recreational activity that has produced Olympians such as B.C.’s Emma Lunder. The cadets learn valuable skills through the program that develop self-discipline, increased confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
The Cadet Program aims to develop in youths 12-18 the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, promote physical fitness, and stimulate interest in sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces.