Youngsters overcome cadet obstacles

Hedland youth tested their mettle against an Australian Army Cadets obstacle course last week, beating it in record time.

Port Hedland’s Frank Pickett, 15, set the new record time of 9.91sec. for the inflatable obstacle unit at an army visit and obstacle course day at the JD Hardie Youth Zone last Wednesday.

The Port Hedland Senior High School Year 10 student said he shaved some time off the previous record of 10 seconds by powering through the course.

“It was all good — the track has got a few tricks to it like jumps and things,” he said.

“My first one (attempt) was just making it through and I slowed down for some of the things, but my second one I did it again, pushed through with my hands and I just powered through.”

Frank said he had thought about army cadets and their training but was not interested in guns and weapons.

Australian Army regional support unit Captain Max Walker said the inflatable course was used by cadets for physical training and school visits.

“The inflatable obstacle unit is part of army cadets’ physical training based in Perth but travels to regional areas like Port Hedland,” he said.

“At this stage, the course can get regional kids interested in joining the cadets, and cadet training gradually builds on their amount of physical activity, encouraging teamwork and mateship.

“Cadet training can include camping, firearms training, first aid and other disciplines”

The course was part of free fun days on January 17 and January 18, open to those aged 12-18.