The Isle of Man Army Cadets have been recognised in the 2023 Tynwald Day Best Turned Out awards.

The cadet corps won the Best Turned Out Unit Award and cadet Krasimira Toneva the Best Turned Out Individual Award.

15-year-old Ballakermeen High School student Krasimira (‘Krasi’) (pictured above with the President of Tynwald, the Hon Laurence Skelly MLC) said: ‘When I heard I’d won the award I just felt so good and very proud.

‘Being part of the Tynwald Day ceremony, in front of so many people, was the best feeling ever, despite standing on parade for hours and my back aching. That experience really pushed my boundaries and took me out of my comfort zone.

‘I was inspired to join the Army Cadets by bombardier Abigail Croly and everything about being part of the unit has totally lived up to my expectations. I’ve already shared my experiences on Tik Tok of a camp we went on and that went almost viral.

‘I’d wanted my Army uniform for so long, and it’s got pride of place in my bedroom.  Wearing it makes me feel more responsible and visible. Since I joined the cadets, I feel I’ve gained so much more direction to my life and a lot more confidence. We meet as a unit every Tuesday and Thursday. I’ve made some good friends and it’s interesting to engage with people who have different perspectives on life. You also get to learn all kinds of transferable skills.

‘I’m not sure what I want to do after I leave school, but being in the cadets has made me think about some sort of career where I could be helping people, perhaps becoming a paramedic, doctor or maybe even joining the police or Army.’

Bombardier Aidan Kelly said: ‘It’s a very proud occasion for the unit to be on parade on Tynwald Day. It’s all about discipline and team work and we all feel a huge sense of accomplishment for playing a part in the Island’s National Day for the second year. To see the cadets immaculately turned out on parade is the pinnacle of achievement for the unit.’

Sergeant Instructor Chris Gautry said: ‘We’re very much “a family” and all take great pride in serving on parade, not only on Tynwald Day but also at other ceremonial occasions, such as Remembrance Sunday.’

Bombardier Abigail Croly added: ‘In the cadets you’re part of a very welcoming and supportive environment and together the unit creates some amazing memories.’

Presenting the awards, the President of Tynwald, the Hon Laurence Skelly MLC said: ‘As cadets you play a vitally important role in the National Day ceremony of what is the world’s oldest continuous parliament. It’s therefore only right that you be recognised and congratulated for your contribution to the formal proceedings of Tynwald Day. All of you here today, together with all your fellow cadets, did a superb job, and on behalf of Tynwald I extend my most sincere thanks. As cadets you will be learning a whole range of valuable skills that you will be able to apply in the years ahead and I wish you every success in your future endeavours.’

The President of Tynwald, the Hon Laurence Skelly, MLC, with, left to right, Krasimira Toneva, Abigail Croly, Aidan Kelly and Chris Gautry

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For further information contact:

Joann Corkish
Deputy Clerk of Tynwald
Legislative Buildings
Douglas
IM1 3PW
Tel: 01624 685500
j.corkish@tynwald.org.im