Eye on the target

KIRSTEN MURPHY

Five Cambridge Bay cadets are heading to the National Cadet Marksmanship Championship in May after winning the Northern regional marksmanship competition in Iqaluit on March 30.

Cambridge Bay’s sharp shooters were praised by Capt. Rick Gillis, coach of 3004 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, for their skill and dedication.

“They’re totally devoted and they worked hard for this. These guys did a good job,” Gillis said.

A total of 24 cadets from Hay River, Yellowknife, Cambridge Bay and Iqaluit got down to business at Iqaluit’s Cadet hall and aimed Daisy 853C air rifles at targets. Cadet coaches are allowed to provide silent coaching during competition.

The object of the exercise is to hit the centre of 40 10-centimetre targets. Chief Warrant Officer Chris Gillis scored the highest with his overall top score of 387 points out of a possible 400 points. Gillis is from the 3004 Corps in Cambridge Bay.

The other members of Cambridge Bay’s 3004 squadron heading to Comox are Jana Angulalik, Ronald Wilcox, Nicolas Larabie and Clarissa Koblogina.

Hay River’s 2724 squadron took second place in the team competition and also qualified for the national competition in Comox, British Columbia, in May.

Cadets are taught air rifle basics as part of mandatory basic training, said Elizabeth Mills, unit information officer.

“Safety procedures are taught first and foremost before cadets are permitted to handle a rifle, and these procedures are continually reinforced throughout their training,” Mills said.

The Daisy 853 is not classified as a firearm under the federal gun legislation because of it’s low muzzle velocity.

Mills praised the Cadet program for opening doors for Nunavummiut.

“Cadet programs give youth an opportunity to get involved with their community and travel to other communities,” she said.

“The marksmanship program is an integral part of the cadet program. It teaches self-discipline and builds self-confidence.”

The March 30 competition in Iqaluit was followed by a banquet and award ceremony.

The Cadet Corps is much like the Canadian Rangers but for youth aged 12 to 18. The goal is to develop leadership and promote physical fitness.

Marksmanship is just one of the many activities cadets can participate in. Depending on the time of year and the resources available, cadets may partake in biathlons, rock climbing, survival exercises and flying.

General military knowledge and first aid are also part of the regular cadet program.

Next year’s National Cadet Marksmanship Championship will be held in Iqaluit.