Page 12 - The Light Blue Volunteer Journal 2021

Polo
Weekly training sessions at the Cambridge Country Polo Club have been preparing Officer Cadets for the upcoming Druids Lodge UOTC tournament in October.
This year all ability’s have been encouraged and welcomed to start the sport.
Our coach Francis’s enthusiastic style along with a variety of polo ponies to suit each individual has made these lessons successful in creating an enjoyable and upbeat atmosphere, which keeps students coming week on week.
We now have twenty regular participants, some of whom attend two lessons within the same week-testament to the dedication and love for the sport many officer cadets have developed.
Each chukka lasts seven minutes; this is an extremely fast-paced sport where teamwork is vital. This teamwork is not only through communication on the pitch but through rehearsal and knowledge of the rules. These skills are transferable to training exercises for all Officer Cadets.
We also have social opportunities, including the chance to watch a professional game in the upcoming weeks. This relaxed atmosphere will be a golden opportunity to learn from the elite, giving us time to talk tactics before our own competition.
OCdt Eveleigh
12 THE LIGHT BLUE VOLUNTEER
Army Cycling
“What did you do during lockdown?” is a common query
these days. For me the answer was get fit! I already had a WattBike (an indoor bike that analyses and computes cycling performance) in my garage which enabled me to connect to Zwift which pairs your bike with its “virtual world” enabling you to train, ride groups and race.
The Army Cycling Union quickly saw the advantage of this and put on a series of races open to Regulars, Reserves and Veterans. As a result of regularly being placed in these races I applied to the Women’s Road Cycling Team and represented the Army in the Inter Services ERoad Race and Individual ETime Trial. Although not everyone has a WattBike the same effect can be achieved by a real bike and smart trainer.
The attendance figures for women during the series increased from about 12 regular riders to over 50 in the last race of the season.
And this has spilled over into “real life” with several Zwifters making the jump from virtual to real life cycling events, including myself taking part in the Inter Services Individual Time Trial held in Taunton, Somerset.
Then an opportunity opened up with the Army Triathlon Association and I was selected to represent the Army Women’s Masters Triathlon team for the Inter Services Olympic Triathlon Championships and the National Sprint Triathlon Relay Championships where I won my age group and the team came first respectively.
The opportunities to participate in representative sport are open to all OTC staff and cadets. The teams are very inclusive where all ability levels are welcome. Training sessions, kit and equipment and competitive events are all available for those who to take part.
Captain Chittock 2IC Inters Div