Everyone’s a winner at CAF National Sports Day

Canadian Armed Forces members participate in a Cricket game during the National Sports Day on Oct 20. Photo by LS David Gariepy, MARPAC Imaging Services

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

Fun was the true measure of victory as employees at the base ran, jumped, and volleyed their way into the win column during the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Sports Day tabloid on Oct. 20.

The day’s activities for both military and civilian personnel kicked off with a five-kilometre CAF Sports Day Run.

Despite the cool wet conditions, Leading Seaman Matt Walsh of Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) had a top run time of 17:55 on a race course that started at the Naden Drill Deck and wound through Dockyard and back.

This was followed by a sports tabloid, which was a series of educational, fun drills for basketball, volleyball, squash, cricket, spin, swimming and rowing.

Base Commander, Captain Jason Boyd, an avid sportsman and hockey player, took part in many of the day’s activities. He said everyone who participated in the event was a winner, while also noting it was plain to see everyone who came out for Sports Day thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

“National Sports Day is the perfect reminder of how important sports and fitness are to all of us in the CAF. I was very proud to participate alongside so many fellow Defence team members in all the activities that were set up throughout the day. With all of the different sports available there really was something for everyone.”

Approximately 350 participants turned out for the Personal Support Programs-led event.

The weather and soggy sports field conditions put a stop to slo-pitch and seven-aside soccer tournaments.