When winter rolls into Cadotte Lake, it brings with it more than just snow—it brings new opportunities for growth, discovery, and connection. This week, Cadotte Lake students got a chance to experience something truly unique: Biathlon, a winter sport that fuses the power of cross-country skiing with the precision of rifle shooting.
Led by Ntala Quintilio, Provincial Coach and Outreach Coordinator for Biathlon Alberta—and a two-time Olympian—students were introduced to the exhilarating world of biathlon through hands-on lessons and guidance from one of the best in the sport.
“I’ve been ski racing since I was a kid,” Inala shared. “And I’m here teaching the Cadotte Lake kids to cross-country ski and shoot.”
A Sport Rooted in Strength and Focus
Originally developed as a training exercise for Norwegian soldiers, biathlon has evolved into a celebrated Olympic sport that’s growing in popularity, especially in northern and mountainous regions. But beyond competition, biathlon is a tool for youth development—something that shone brightly during the sessions in Cadotte Lake.
On day one, students strapped on skis—many for the first time—and learned the fundamentals of balance, movement, and endurance on snow. Cross-country skiing offers a low-impact way to build full-body strength, aerobic endurance, and coordination, making it an ideal winter activity for young people.
On day two, students had the chance to test their aim with optical rifles, bringing in the second element of biathlon: shooting under pressure. As heart rates climbed and excitement buzzed, students learned to center themselves, breathe deeply, and focus with discipline—skills that serve them far beyond the sport.
“My favorite part was the biathlon thing—you got to skate around in a loop and then go and shoot,” one student said, beaming with pride.
Teaching More Than Technique
Biathlon isn’t just about skiing fast or hitting a target—it’s about resilience, patience, and learning how to bounce back when things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s falling in the snow or missing a shot, students learned to view setbacks not as failures, but as steps toward improvement.
“I loved it. It felt like it was a part of me,” said another student. “I really needed that.”
Through this powerful blend of physical and mental challenges, biathlon encourages students to trust themselves, try something new, and persevere in the face of difficulty.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We want to give a huge thank you to Biathlon Alberta and Ntala Quintilio for bringing this unforgettable experience to our students. It’s more than just sport—it’s empowerment, community, and growth.
As the snow continues to fall, the lessons learned from biathlon will stay with our students—on and off the trails.
#ThePulseOfWoodland | #BiathlonAlberta | #CadotteLake | #YouthEmpowerment | #WinterWellness | #CommunityConnection
