By Taylor MacPherson

Cadets compete in P.A. marksmanship competition

Feb 27, 2017 | 5:00 AM

Prince Albert’s armoury played host to eight cadet groups Sunday as young shooters from around the region vied for an invitation to the provincial marksmanship competition.

Army, air and sea cadets were represented at the competition, and the eight teams came from as far as La Ronge to join in the contest. The cadets ranged in age from 12-18, but each team of five was required to field at least two shooters younger than 15. Because the cadets use air rifles in their marksmanship competitions, the event was held indoors on a purpose-built range.

Organizer Cpt. Suelynn Lavigne said some of the young cadets are impressive marksmen.

“There are some kids that are really, really good,” Lavigne said. “One of the kids out of Prince Albert last year was actually the top in the whole province, and he was actually only a junior at the time.”

Lavigne said the sport of shooting and the associated skills build more than just accuracy in the cadets.

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“The actual process of marksmanship teaches you self-confidence and boosts your self-esteem,” Lavigne said. “It also increases your self-discipline, concentration skills, ability to focus on task and that type of thing.”

Sunday’s competition, Lavigne said, was well-attended and supported by the community.

“It only works because of the support of the region, the [Department of National Defence] overall and the leagues as well,” she said. “We’re fortunate to have such good facilities to work out of and it’s great having lots of people attend it.”

Air Cadet Noah Letendre, of the 38 Anavets Squadron, said he expected a strong result from his team.

“We’ve taken it home a couple of times,” Letendre said. “I think we’ll do good this year.”

Letendre said the summer camps are his favourite aspect of the cadet program, especially because the cadets are paid to attend.

“This summer I’m going to survival,” Letendre said. “It’s in Cold Lake, Alberta and you’re surviving with a partner, by yourselves.”

Taylor.macpherson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TMacPhersonNews