Army Cadet Susan McConnell from 2756 Invermere Army Cadet Corp participated in the ‘East Meets West’ Kootenay Sports Weekend, held at Selkirk College in Castlegar, the weekend of January 26-28.

Warrant Officer McConnell (pictured) lives in Canal Flats and is in Grade 11 at David Thompson Secondary School. She says that the cadet program is fun and she enjoys learning about its’ history. She is on the Marksmanship Team and will be competing in the zone completion in March. Tying knots, marksmanship and public speaking are just a few of the skills Susan has learned.

WO McConnell is striving to become a Chief Warrant Officer before she ages out of the cadet program and hopes to inspire future cadets. This summer she is hoping to attend Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor Course or a Staff Cadet. After graduation, Susan is considering a military career focusing on history.

The annual sports weekend, hosted 200 cadets, between the ages of 12 to 18, from the 14 Sea, Army and Air Cadet Units in the Kootenay region. During the weekend, cadets completed the mandatory fitness assessment. Cadets were kept busy with a variety of other fitness and team activities.

The aim of the National Cadet program is to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, promote physical fitness and stimulate the interest of youth in sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces. Canadian youth aged 12 to 18 are encouraged to learn more about the cadet programs in their community. Though the program is military based, there is no obligation to for a cadet to join the forces.

Submitted by Captain Lori-Lee Bott, Unit Public Affairs Representative East Kootenay, Canadian Armed Forces

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