Rankin Inlet (Jan 30/06) - History was made in Yellowknife earlier this month when eight cadets from Rankin Inlet and Repulse Bay left the starting line of the annual Northern region biathlon challenge.

The event is the first step for Northern cadets looking to qualify for the national competition.

The four members of the Rankin cadets to compete at the event were Andre Aokaut, Emelda Aupilardjuk, Casey Amarook and Darla Pilakapsi.

Repulse was represented by Corey Angotingoar, Marsha Kringuk, Trevor James Kringayark and Jordan Tinashlu.

It was the first time Rankin and Repulse cadets competed in the biathlon.

The biathlon combines skiing ability with marksmanship over a 1.2-km course.

Civilian instructor Dorothy Tootoo said while she's not sure exactly how the selection process worked for this year's biathlon, she's just happy Rankin cadets were able to attend.

"None of our cadets, nor the ones from Repulse, had ever skied before, so it was really quite exciting for them," said Tootoo.

"We were given two practice days upon our arrival, so our cadets actually learned how to ski in two days.

"I couldn't believe how great they were doing with so little time to learn."

The biathlon has, historically, been the domain of cadets from Yellowknife, Hay River and White Horse.

Tootoo said the Rankin cadets had a great time at the event and are quite proud of the fact they learned how to ski.

She said the cadets made a believer out of her as she watched them compete.

"If one of our cadets (Emelda Aupilardjuk) would have had more time to learn how to ski, she would have been a real force at the event.

"She only missed one target during the shooting competition.

"If she could have put in a half-decent time with her skiing, she probably would have been one of the alternates named to go to the national competition.

"I'm hoping the great experience our first four participants had at the biathlon will spark a lot more interest among our other cadets."