A team of Abingdon sea cadets proved their mettle on Saturday in a gruelling canoe and kayak tournament, and brought home gold.
Fourteen cadets from Abingdon joined two from Oxford, and three from Buckinghamshire, in a district team at the Southern Area Sea Cadets Paddlesport Regatta, held in Reading.
In 16 races, they came first in four, second in three and third in another four. It is the first time since 1989 that the gold medal has been brought back to Abingdon.
Acting Lieutenant Kevin Anderson, commanding officer of Abingdon unit, said: “The Sea Cadets at Abingdon’s TS Marlborough are an inspirational example of just what today’s much-maligned youngsters can do.”
“The Sea Cadets provide an opportunity for 10- to 18-year-olds to develop many important life skills, as well as learning to sail, row, kayak, shoot, play musical instruments, cook, and develop leadership and resilience skills.”
Four of the Abingdon cadets will now go on to the next stage of the contest.
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