TRENTON – Thirteen-year-old Danielle Farrell will be heading to Quebec Friday with her cross-country skis and gun for a national competition.
The Trenton resident is part of the Nova Scotia biathlon team that is competing in the national biathlon championships at Valcartier, Que. She is the only cadet from 219 Army Cadets in New Glasgow going to the nationals this year.
Farrell has only been involved with the 219 Army Cadets for two years and tried her hand at marksmanship last year. She decided to raise the bar this year by trying out for the biathlon competition, which requires competitors to cross country ski for several kilometres and then stop and shoot a target that is about 50 metres away.
“It’s a challenge because your heart rate is up and you can’t really steady the gun,” she said. “It takes practice.”
Farrell recently attended a one-day event at the Atlantic Cup to help prepare herself for the competition while she was also skiing at Trenton Park.
She said she has no idea what kind of competition to expect at the national level, but she is planning on enjoying every minute of her time Quebec.
“I am nervous, but excited at the same time,” she said.
Farrell said the past two years in the cadets has also been a rewarding experience.
Last year, she was presented the top award for first year marksmanship and top female green star cadet.
Her brother Liam, who has also been to national competitions for marksmanship, was presented the award for top band member and top silver star at the same end-of-the-year review.
