East Meets West Sports Weekend
Annual Cadet Sports and Fitness Weekend
January 28, 2020 581 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron
Castlegar, BC – Over 150 Cadets and Officers from all 12 East and West Kootenay units meet this past weekend to engage in friendly sports and fitness competition.
Sea, Army, and Air Cadets from Creston, Fernie, Invermere, Golden, Elkford, Cranbrook, Trail, Nelson, and Kimberly joined their host, the 581 Castlegar Air Cadets, at Selkirk College to take part in activities ranging from volleyball and basketball to 20 m shuttle runs and push-ups and even a dance.
“We put a huge focus on having a variety of activities to ensure everyone is having fun,” stated Tyler Visona, a Volunteer Instructor for the 581 Squadron and former cadet himself. “All the while meeting new friends from other units.”
The goal of the Air Cadets is to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness; and to stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces. As part of this goal, each Cadet unit is required to participate in a fitness assessment at least once a year.
“Cadets were able to earn their Cadet Fitness badge, compete in sports activities and learn leadership skills.” said Capt. Gerry Rempel commanding officer of the 581 Castlegar Air Cadets. “Additionally, they got to participate with youth from other units while also making new friends.”
“My favorite part was being a role model to my cadets, and getting to show them all of the benefits cadets has to offer.” Said Sierra Johnson a Flight Sargent with the 581 Castlegar Air Cadets.
“East meets west is fantastic … (and) makes cadets feel more connected to their fellow cadets…” said F.Sgt Dylan Hastie when asked about the event. “My favorite part was interacting with different cadets from all over the region.”
The cadet program is open to all youth between the ages of 12-18 years old with a focus on leadership, citizenship and healthy living. Individuals interested in joining or volunteering with the cadets are encouraged to check out aircadetleague.com and www.cadets.ca. You can also visit the 581 Casltegar Air Cadet Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CastlegarCadets.
Strike A Pose. Photo Credit: Matthew Mussio
F.Sgt Sierra Johnson and her 2IC (2nd In Charge) take a moment to pose of the camera. Photo credit: Matthew Mussio
Push up time. Photo Credit: Matthew Mussio
2020 East Meets West Sit and Reach Station. Photo Credit: Matthew Mussio
Cadets from around the Kootenay’s took part in the 2020 East Meets West Sports Weekend at Selkirk College. Photo credit: Major Kevin DeBiasio