A determined sea cadet and football player

The progress a student at Chateauguay Valley Regional High school has made in sea cadets and sports is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through determination.

15 year old Jordan Baril has not only been actively involved with the Valleyfield Royal Canadian Sea Cadets (section 329) for four years,  he has also become captain of the Spartans football team at Chateauguay Valley Regional High school in Ormstown where his position has evolved to linebacker in defence.

Before joining the cadets, Jordan was a shy boy lacking in self confidence. He felt marginalized because of the way his dyslexia affected his marks at school. When he joined the cadets he immediately felt respected and accepted as part of a large family.

By participating in activities like sailing, scuba diving, precision shooting and military exercises, Jordan discovered new interests while making new friends. "It has all contributed to his developing a sense of responsibility, self confidence and respect for others," emphasized Naval Lieutenant Denis Poisson of the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Eastern).

Cadets has also taught him how to manage his time well. "This has enabled Jordan to become seriously involved in his school's football team, while continuing to participate in the cadet program," added Poisson.

The adolescent came to realise that anything is possible when you are determined. "Playing football doesn't interfere with my evenings of cadet training. In fact, what I've learned at cadets has made me the best captain I could be," claims Jordan Baril.

"This attitude is what's helped him to become captain of his football team and to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the cadets program," concluded Lieutenant Denis Poisson.

The sea cadet program is intended for boys and girls aged 12 to 18. The Valleyfield group holds its activities on Thursday evenings at  11, rue de l'Église in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. For further information visit their website at www.cadets.ca/fr.

Translated by Cathleen Johnston