The annual Chad O’Quinn Memorial Powerlifting Competition took place at the 5th Canadian Division Support Base (5 CDSB) Gagetown’s field house on 6 June 2024. The competition is a memorial event for Corporal Kenneth Chad O’Quinn, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces who passed away while serving in Afghanistan in 2009. Corporal O’Quinn was a fitness enthusiast, and this event was created by Personnel Support Programs staff in 2010 to honour his memory.
The competition kicked off with an opening ceremony and a speech from Colonel Marc Parent, the Commander of 5 CDSB Gagetown. Colonel Parent thanked the participants for coming out and spoke about the importance of memorial events, stating that “…life brings us different challenges, what is important is that we don’t forget. It is important that we keep these things going.” Corporal O’Quinn’s family echoed Colonel Parent saying,
“It is stuff like this that keeps fallen soldiers alive. The good thing is that every year (the Base and participants) want to keep it going, and that’s the only way we’re going to keep their memories alive. If we don’t, people will forget, and we don’t want people to forget.”
The full day event featured numerous competitors participating in squat, bench press and deadlift challenges. The winners of each weight category received a medal to mark their achievement and showcase their strength. The winners within the female division included Corporal Sarah Duncan, and Captain Jessica Perigo for Top Overall Female. The male division winners included Corporal Matthew Spraggett, Master Corporal Cody Arpin, Corporal Edmond Breau, and Bombardier Leon Auriol Savard for the Top Overall Male.
5 CDSB Gagetown would like to congratulate the winners of the competition and thank all who participated in this important memorial event!
Second Lieutenant Rachel Tapley
GROUP PHOTO
PHOTO CREDIT: MCPL PETER FORD ©2024 DND/MDN CANADA.
COLONEL IN UNIFORM AND AWARD DISPLAY
PHOTO CREDIT: CPL ALEX THORNTON ©2024 DND/MDN CANADA.