A Message from ARO

May I congratulate all the Cadets who were part of the Southern Area team at the National Combined Regatta? We came away with no less than six major trophies which included the biggest prize of all, the Overall Trophy.

It was a tremendous team effort from all the disciplines of Paddlesport, Pulling, Yole, and Boat Handling achieving top slots in some areas adding to our points tally exceeding all others.

I can only describe the feeling as emotional to see the faces and hear the cheers of the Cadets going up to receive their medals. I must add the Southern team made the biggest noises. To be best in the Country is a tremendous achievement.

I had a total of 61 Cadets and 23 Staff as a team from Southern, all showing dedication and commitment, so once again BZ to all, a very fine display of Unity.

I would also like to add my congratulations to every member of the Southern Area team, whether competitors, team managers, organisers, drivers or helpers, not forgetting ARO himself who pulls everything together. It was a tremendous effort by everyone involved and the huge and very shiny Navy League Cup now has pride of place on my office windowsill this morning and will soon be engraved with SOUTHERN AREA - WINNERS 2009!!!

BZ to everyone.

I can only echo the comments and plaudits from the AO and ARO,

A brilliant day ending with a very proud presentation ceremony for Southern Area,

The enthusiasm, team spirit and excellent behavior from all our cadets was first class.

Please pass on my personal congratulations to them all, even if they were not medal recipients, by competing at the national event the vital points they gained helped Southern Area achieve the supreme accolade, "Overall Regatta Winners 2009”