Brantford, ON – Two local Sea Cadets have used a map and compass combined with competitive running to make it all the way to the Ontario Cadet Orienteering Competition being held on November 3^rd and 4^th. They qualified  in two events at the South Western Ontario Cadet Orienteering Competition, held on September 29^th 2018 in Cambridge, Ontario.

Master Seaman Brandon Barnard won 1^st place in the Junior Male Individual competition, and Petty Officer 2^nd Class Isaiah Loftman secured 2^nd place in the Intermediate Male Individual competition. They and their teammates from the Brantford Sea Cadets competed in a crowded field of over 100 fellow cadets from across South Western Ontario. 

Orienteering is a sport that requires navigational skills using a map and compass to navigate from point to point in diverse and usually unfamiliar terrain whilst moving at speed. Participants are given a topographical map, usually a specially prepared orienteering map, which they use to find control points.

Their coach, Lieutenant(N) Shane Downey, remarked on their athletic ability and commitment to excellence saying, “It was clear that these two (Barnard and Loftman) were pushing hard to do well when we practiced our running at the track at the Gretzky Sports Centre, they were leaders for the team, and picked up the map reading skills fairly quickly. They are great competitors and very humble”.

This is the second year the Brantford Sea Cadets have entered a team in the regional cadet competition, and the first year that competitors from the Sea Cadets have gone to the provincial competition. Orienteering is free activity provided as part of the Sea Cadet program which itself is provided at no cost to youth, or their families.

The Sea Cadet Program is a partnership between the Department of National Defence and the civilian Navy League of Canada. The Navy League is represented locally by the Navy League of Canada Brantford Branch which is a United Way Member Agency. The aim of Sea Cadets is to inspire in youth the values of leadership and citizenship; promote physical fitness; and to generate an interest in the Royal Canadian Navy. Cadets learn valuable life skills, make friends, and are free to leave the program at anytime.

There are no registration fees or dues to join the cadet program. Upon joining, ceremonial uniforms and accoutrements are provided free of charge. Cadets and parents are encouraged to participate in and contribute to fundraising on behalf of the local league to offset costs not covered by the Department of National Defence.

In addition to orienteering, the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets in Brantford offers area youth numerous exciting opportunities such as Sailing, Marching Band, Leadership, and Nautical based activities. Registration is available to youth ages 12-18 every Thursday during the school year between 6:30 and 9:30pm at the Sea Cadet Hall at 119 Waterloo Street in Brantford.

Parents of interested youth are welcome to visit the Navy League Building at 119 Waterloo St in Brantford any Thursday, or to call the Corps at 519-752-8821 or email recruiting@admiralnelles.com.