Marksmanship meets physical fitness
Biathlon is a combination of cross-country skiing (winter Biathlon) or running (summer Biathlon) and marksmanship. It requires tremendous endurance and strength as well as skill and precision.
A seemingly unlikely combination of events – one being an aerobic activity which requires strength, speed and stamina; the other being a passive activity which requires concentration and a steady hand - confronts the athlete with a very demanding challenge. The combination of power and endurance of cross-country skiing with the precision and calm of marksmanship makes this sport especially challenging, fun and rewarding.
Historically, Biathlon was first introduced in the Canadian Cadet Organizations by Eastern Region (province of Québec) in 1978. In the early 1990’s, using the Daisy Air Rifle 853C, summer Biathlon training and competition was introduced. Today, as a recreational activity, summer Biathlon training and competition continues to be conducted in most Cadet Summer Training Centres across Canada.
The aims of the Cadet Biathlon Program are to promote physical fitness, to act as a catalyst for a cadet fitness/sports program, to promote the safe handling of rifles and to stimulate and maintain an interest in Cadets.
These are the formal aims, however, if you ask any Cadet, they will tell you that the true reasons are to have fun, to take part in an activity that they can be good at and excel at, to improve their skills, to exercise and get fit, as well as, to be with friends.