Eight cadets from Thompson’s air cadet squadron will be heading down to Winnipeg this coming weekend for a survival competition.

The annual Survivair competition sees air squadrons from across the province take part in various survival-based skill competitions to show off their knowledge and see how they match up against other squadrons.

Thompson’s team coach Civilian Instructor Brett Hanson has been to Survivair on numerous occasions, so he already knows what the competition will look like.

“Basically it’s a mass start, so when it starts, everyone disperses and goes towards whatever event they feel they should run to first. Our cadets typically go to biathlon first because they excel in that sport, our group here in Thompson emphasizes biathlons. We have a strong biathlon skill set.”

Other aspects of the competition include building a shelter, starting a fire, the proper technique for snaring small animals, and first aid.