Biathlon

As you are aware the PASCAQ held another successful Biathlon on Saturday 8th September at the Queensland Police Academy in conjunction with the Queensland Police and Emergency Services Games. Although the day was a great success, the overall numbers on the day where again small with only 23 competitors from four agencies showing for the gruelling days event. Although this year’s course was only relatively short in 2.5klm long, from all accounts it was one of the most arduous and physically challenging courses that most of us have probably attempted. As you would be aware the course designers where limited to the confines of within the Police Academy and as such took full opportunity of all man made obstacles that where available, these man made structures included the recruit obstacle course, copper log fence, crawling under demountable buildings and completing a lap of the Academy swimming pool.

The results and times by the competitors reflect the toughness of the course, that and the fact that I would say that a few of us that woke up on the Sunday morning that were unable to feel our legs is testament to the course conditions.

Sincere appreciation needs to be acknowledged to the following, whom without their assistance both physically and financially we would not have been able to proceed. Firstly to Kaye McGhie and ‘Advance’ who has been with the association since it’s inception and who has pledged continued financial support for the long haul, this support is much appreciated. Secondly to Brad Gray and all the committee members from the Redland RSL Sub Branch who have continued their financial support, which is also appreciated.

Also a special thanks to Cec Medway and Steve Palmer for their continued support in the administrative role pertaining to ‘time keeping’ and registration participation on the day. SGT Jeff Jarrett from RAAF Base Amberley in organising transportation and manning in getting equipment to the site, and lastly to Geoff and Cheryl Bodley from the QPS in organising QPS recruits to marshal on the day, whom also done a fantastic day. The day’s events would not have been possible without the continued support of the organisations and people mentioned above that helped make the day as successful as it was. And lastly to the small crowd of family, friends and spectators, which also included the Police Commissioner who attended on the day to show their support.

On the day it was also suggested that possible an Australasian K9 Games be considered for 2009 commemorating the 150 year Anniversary of Queensland. Although this is only at the communication stage, it is worth considering and seriously debating that such an event be held in conjunction with the ‘Australian Service Dog Association’, ‘Police and Services Canine Association Queensland’, ‘Advance Pet Care’ and any other interested organisation or party.

Early talks have indicated that we could possibly look at having a 3 day event, with the first day including lectures and seminars, the second day time trials and the third day a Biathlon. Although this idea is still in the infancy stage and there would need to be a huge commitment from organisations represented it is worth looking at ideas that could get this idea off the ground. If you would like to add input and suggestions for this idea than please email these ideas to the provided email address.

Although it is still 12 months away the Biathlon for next year will be conducted on the first Saturday in September 2008. We will need a volunteer agency to host this event and start the planning stages early in the New Year. If enough interest is not shown than unfortunately this event will be cancelled and the PASCAQ will need to look at other alternatives, one being considered will be the Biathlon only being held every second year.

Your support as a member is crucial to maintaining the viability of the Association succeeding.

Results

As previously mentioned the Biathlon course was designed to slow the speedsters down, from all accounts this was achieved. The first stage included the agility time trial where handler and dog teams had to negotiate agility pieces as well as a crawling under a cargo net, this was followed by a lap of the Academy which led to the pool where the dog was placed in a dog box and the handler had to walk the length of the pool before getting their dog out and continuing on. The next section included another section of straight running as well as crawling under four demountable buildings and also under numerous copper logs before approaching the obstacle course, where the dog again was placed into a box. Another section of straight running before again crawling under another cargo net and then onto the oval to the finish line. 

The iron man event attracted 8 competitors which also included a very challenging course. The course consisted of a 100mt sprint before placing your dog into a box and then completing the obstacle course both up and back whilst carrying 3 medicine balls with a combined weight of approximately 18kgs, which where not allowed too touch the ground. You than retrieved your dog before a final 100mt sprint again to the finish line

The awards this year where designed so that they could be shared around, hence if you one the overall event you would than exclude yourself from any other award, with handlers agreeing that this was a much fairer system.     

The major results for the day are as follows:

The individual agency awards go to the following: