Soldiering on — for a good cause

In the News
September 17, 2012 –

Soldiering on — for a good cause

With the help of her team, Krista LeClair hoisted herself over a large wooden wall during an obstacle course at Canadian Forces Base Kingston Saturday.

LeClair, who was part of a group from the Kingston Chamber of Commerce, had never completed an obstacle course, thrown a simulated grenade or tested her skill at a shooting range.

She, along with more than 90 participants, took part in the annual Kingston Garrison Commando Challenge in support of United Way.

The event is designed to test participants’ skills at various activities meant to simulate Canadian Forces training, said CFB Kingston commander Col. Steve Cadden.

Last year, five teams took part, which grew to 12 Saturday. Local non-profit organizations, educational institutions and businesses entered teams.

Cadden said a goal of the challenge is to introduce visitors to activities experienced by Canadian soldiers.

This included rappelling down a large tower, walking in a simulated foot patrol with paintball guns, a 20-plus-station obstacle course and firing at a range.

“A lot of people only see (soldiers) downtown at a coffee shop or shopping,” Cadden said. “They don’t really get a sense of what skill set we need to go through it.”

Cadden said the event focused on teamwork, which lent to a positive team-building activity for many of the participants who wouldn’t otherwise have an opportunity to get outside the workplace.

He said participants also get a sense of the camaraderie that is built among soldiers when facing these challenges on a daily basis.

“Every obstacle here is easily doable for everybody,” he said. “They really learn to balance out their cognitive ability with teamwork. By (participating), the average person gets to try something they wouldn’t have otherwise experienced.”

For LeClair, who is with Easter Seals Ontario, each obstacle was a new experience.

“There were some surprises both in a challenging way and an easier way than expected,” she said after completing the obstacle course. “I think they well prepare you for the hardest (parts).”

LeClair said she signed up for a chance to get better acquainted with her colleagues at the Kingston Chamber of Commerce.

“I think it’s exciting,” she said. “It’s something new and challenging. It’s a great way to network.”

Matt Hutcheon, chief executive officer of the chamber, said his organization entered a team to try something different.

“We just thought it would be a great event to have some fun,” he said.

Hutcheon said he plans to participate next year as well.

“We’ll come back as a seasoned, experienced team,” he said.

Source: Danielle VandenBrink, Kingston Whig-Standard