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Sharpshooter represents in UK cadet competition

Cadet/Warrant Officer Philippe Asselin, 17, is part of the National Rifle Team
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Capt. Cheryl Major

An Esquimalt sharpshooter with the 2483 Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps is taking a shot at an international marksmanship competition.

Cadet/Warrant Officer Philippe Asselin, 17,  is part of the National Rifle Team, a select group of 18 Army Cadets who have been competing for three years at the national level for a spot on the team.

One of the most prestigious achievements in the Army Cadet Movement, the Royal Canadian Army Cadet National Rifle Team represents Canada in England as part of an exchange with the United Kingdom, where cadets participate in cultural activities and compete in the Bisley Imperial Meeting. The event continues through July 18.

Asselin, a Grade 11 International Baccalaureate student at Esquimalt’s École Victor-Brodeur, has been part of the 2483 PPCLI Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps since 2012.

In addition to his cadet work, Asselin is has received the Certificate of Excellence in music for the past four years, and is an active volunteer in his school and the greater community.

He has served as class and grade representative at school, volunteers in the school restaurant, serves meals at Our Place and sings Christmas carols at the Mount St. Mary’s Hospital on Christmas Eve.

As a former member of the 2483 PPCLI band, Asselin twice received the Most Proficient Musician award and was last year named Most Proficient Non-Commissioned  Officer.

This year’s Most Proficient Marksman, Asselin has worked for the last few years toward a place on the National Rifle Team, which practices at Connaught Ranges in Ottawa before travelling to the United Kingdom to compete in Cadet Matches and the National Rifle Association matches at Bisley.

Upon returning to Canada, members will compete in additional matches with the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association and assist in coaching others.