Iqaluit (Dec 08/03) - Cadet corps from Pond Inlet and Arctic Bay are travelling to Yellowknife to compete against for the title of top drill team in the North.

The teams placed one-two in Nunavut to earn the Yellowknife trip Cadet Lena Enooagak, captain of the Pond Inlet drill team, said all the cadets worked hard to win first place.

"When we heard we won first, we couldn't believe it," she said. "We thought they were kidding."

All their hard work is paying off for the group. But this isn't the time to sit back and relax.

The teams will be in Yellowknife Dec. 12 to 14. Teams from Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut are competing. Enooagak said they only have a few more days before the big competition.

"I'm telling them to always practice," she said with a smile. The group will be up against some tough competition. The team from Arctic Bay is working just as hard.

Becky Qaqqasiq, team captain, said just going to Yellowknife is a big accomplishment.

"We're really proud of our accomplishment," she said. "It's good to see all of our hard work paying off."

Most of the Arctic Bay team are first year cadets. They have been practising and learning the complex moves and marching in sequence since September. Qaqqasiq said they have come a long way.

"We have all worked hard and it feels good to be recognized for that," she said.

This is the first time in about four years the group from Arctic Bay will move on to the regional competition. Qaqqasiq admitted they are a little nervous competing against other teams.

She is confident they will do well.