By
Andrew Stackpool
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FLTLT
Satya Tanner in the inaugaural patrol race after the reopening
of the Mt Hotham biathlon range.
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DEFENCE
athletes can look forward to the possibility of summer biathlons
in the future and further improvements to the current crosscountry
skiing and shooting facilities at Mt Hotham. The ADF Nordic and
Biathlon Skiing Association is involved in planning a summer facility
at Mt Hotham.
The construction means the Mt Hotham area could become a national
training venue for high altitude sports activities. The Army recently
upgraded the winter biathlon range at Mt Hotham in the months
leading up to the opening of the 2004 ski season.
No. 22 Construction Regiment carried out extensive drainage works
to improve water flow, levelled the firing mounds, upgraded
the target scaffolding and added roofing over the targets.
The work was done with the support of the Mt Hotham Alpine Resorts
Management Board and the Australian Biathlon Association. The
ADF Sports Council also contributed $12,000 to buy 12 target frames
from Norway.
Patron of the ADF Nordic and Biathlon Association Air Vice-Marshal
Chris Spence said the work had allowed the ADF to repay in part
the many years of enthusiastic support provided by the Mt Hotham
community.
“This sport includes many of the characteristics and competencies
that are essential to our primary duties including courage, commitment,
endurance, fitness, weapon handling and teamwork,” AVM Spence
said.
“I was greatly encouraged that the ADF Sports Council provided
the grant to purchase the new targets for the range at Mt Hotham.
This sends a very positive message that the standing of our sport
is recognised.” Squadron Leader Bob Schouten, the president of
the Association, said in getting the range to a higher standard
the Association was inviting some British and European teams to
compete with the ADF in 2005.
