SPRINGBROOK - The 7 Penhold Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron had a surprise reviewing officer for its parade last week.
SPRINGBROOK - The 7 Penhold Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron had a surprise reviewing officer for its parade last week.
He wasn't wearing a traditional military-style uniform but his colourful presence drew lots of oohs and aahs and excitement from the 30 young cadets.
Waskasoo the deer, the official mascot of next month's 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, secretly made his grand entrance at the cadet squadron's commanding officer's parade in Springbrook on Jan. 9. The mascot was joined by the Winter Games' high-ranking entourage of Scott Robinson, chief executive officer (CEO); board chair Lyn Radford; and vice-chair Hugh McPherson.
"The cadets were quite impressed because they did not know (Waskasoo) was coming. We kept this under wraps until I was on parade last night (Jan. 9) when it was announced," said Capt. Jolyne Crashley, the squadron's commanding officer. "The cadets were just really enthusiastic about it."
Waskasoo was chosen the Winter Games' official mascot in the fall of 2017 following the 2019 Games Mascot Challenge that attracted hundreds of entries. Waskasoo was created from four animal options -- a deer, a great-horned owl, a moose and a snowshoe hare -- by 13-year-old Mackenzie Van Damme of Lacombe.
Waskasoo’s name comes from the Cree name for what is now known as the Red Deer River. Van Damme's creation features 13 blue, red, grey and yellow spots on his head and body designed to show passion for Canada. His antlers form a W for Waskasoo.
"Certain things on the deer mean certain things. It's kind of neat. It is quite the mascot," said Crashley.
She said Waskasoo's visit was made possible through the efforts of the squadron's standards officer, Capt. Lisa Wood, who happens to be the administrative assistant to the Winter Games' CEO.
"We are always looking at who we can show off our cadets to. Knowing that the opening ceremonies for the Winter Games are coming next month Capt. Wood wondered if we could work this out. She took it to the CEO and said, 'hey, they were already out to an event just prior to us.'
"So it was just on the way home and it worked out perfectly for Waskasoo to stop by and be our reviewing officer for last night."
Crashley said Waskasoo toured around the parade gathering to meet all the cadets. She said it was the first time the squadron had a reviewing crew that stopped and talked to every cadet.
"It was very nice. They asked them, 'Why are you here? What do you do? Where are you from? Are you enjoying this? Boy, you look sharp,''' said Crashley. "And on top of that they were given a Canada Winter Games pin, and from what I understand even the staff don't get these pins. These were very special pins for the cadets to receive."
Meanwhile, the visit by Waskasoo and senior Winter Games leaders was a fun prelude for a trio of Penhold cadets who will be part of a tri-service cadet presentation -- air, army and sea -- at the Winter Games' opening and closing ceremonies. The cadets from the three military arms assist in the carrying of the flags presentation. The three participating Penhold cadets are Flight Sgt. Naaman Zimmerman, his brother Sgt. Anthony Zimmerman and Flight Sgt. Paul Murray.
"The fact it's so close at hand, it is kind of nice to be part of it," said Crashley.
The opening ceremonies for the 2019 Canada Winter Games, with the theme A Celebration of Moments, begin at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 15 at the Centrium in Red Deer. The closing ceremonies at the Centrium, with the theme Now Is Your Time, will be held Saturday, March 2, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
