Army cadets win medals in biathlon

Cadets from 329 New Tecumseth Army Cadet Corps in Tottenham competed in the second phase of a Biathlon Race in CFB Borden Jan. 26, as part of a two phase biathlon competition.

The first phase being a strictly cross-county race and the second being a biathlon race.

Biathlon is a sport that combines cross-country skiing with precision marksmanship. On occasion, when weather prohibits, they run instead of ski, as was the case this day.

This was 329's first year ever competing in biathlon. There are approximately 100 cadets taking part in Central Ontario this year. For a first-year team, 329 did exceptionally well. In the second phase only, the male relay team of CWO Brandon Baker, WO Jeff Tink and Sgt Mitch McCormack, won the gold medal. Individually Baker won a gold for the senior males. On female side, MWO Amanda Nichol won bronze in the senior female and Cdt Vanessa Langen won bronze in the junior female category.

With that, 329 is sent its first ever group of cadets to the Regional Championships, which were held over the weekend in Sault St Marie. Baker, Nichol and Langen all advanced to a chance to go on to the National Championships in March in Valcartier, Quebec.

In addition to those cadets advancing as competitors, two more from 329 have been selected to attend both the Regionals and National Championships as officials, both MWO Harley Timmons and Sgt Chris Behnke will be attending and working toward their Biathlon Canada Officials qualification.

Army Cadets is open for all youth aged 12-18. Registration is free. The Army Cadet program provides experiences and training in camping, adventure training, citizenship, leadership, physical fitness, marksmanship, drill, band and more.

For more information call (905) 936-9329, or stop in any Monday night from 6:45 to 9:15 p.m. at the Tottenham Community Centre in Tottenham.