Cpl. Alex Bernardin and Flight Sergeant Reay Mackay shoot air rifles in La Ronge on Nov. 21. (Submitted photo/Scott Boyes)

By larongeNOW Staff

Air Cadets

Cadets preparing for biathlon championships

Dec 7, 2022 | 3:34 PM

Members from La Ronge’s 899 Osprey Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron are preparing to compete at the Canadian Cadet Organisations Biathlon Championship Series later this spring.

Cpl. Alex Bernardin and Flight Sergeant Reay Mackay have been training for the national event since at least November. Biathlon is a recreational or competitive activity that combines cross-country skiing or running and precision marksmanship.

“I really like to ski and I learned to shoot rifles with my family, but putting the two of them together was something I had never thought of,” Bernardin said. “However, it is a lot of fun and I can’t get enough of it.”

Mackay, as the most senior cadet on the squadron biathlon team, coaches the other cadets like Bernardin, to improve.

“I really enjoy developing good relationships with everyone in the squadron and helping us grow into a strong team,” Mackay said. “In the end, it comes down to supporting each other in training and competition while making memories.”

Uncontrolled Well Release

Cenovus making progress as vapour cloud diminishes from Rush Lake 2 well release

4h ago

tourism

Visitor centre expanding hours, seeking products from local artisans and vendors

5h ago

WATER SAFETY

'Prime time': Sask. ag specialist breaks down the good and the bad of summer algae blooms

5h ago

Bernardin joined cadets in September 2021 because he wanted to learn about aviation. In addition to biathlon and other cadet activities at the local level, he also participated in training during the summer of 2022 near Kelvington.

Mackay joined cadets in 2018 and has participated in the Canadian Cadet Organisation Biathlon Championship Series every year since including at the national level in Valcartier, Que., in March 2020. He finished on the podium numerous times in both individual and team competitions. Mackay also participated in summer survival training at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alta., during the summer of 2019.

Biathlon is one of many activities available year-round to youth at local, regional, and national levels in the Canadian Cadet Program. The Canadian Cadet Program is a fun and active, peer-led program that gives youth the opportunity to meet new people, make life-long friends, travel, and try new things. Air cadets also learn about aviation technologies, aircrew survival, and how to fly.

Adults are needed to help train, administer, and supervise the local youth in the cadet program. Becoming part of the cadet program is easy, it’s a lot of fun and the skills learned are likely transferable to your regular employment.

No previous military or cadet experience is needed.

– Story written by Captain Lisa Long, Unit Public Affairs Representative, Regional Cadet Support Unit.(Northwest)

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno