FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                        RELEASE NO. 32-08

WEST POINT TO HOST SANDHURST COMPETITION - April 29, 2008            

WEST POINT, N.Y. – More than 400 cadets from military academies and universities in the United States, Canada, and England will compete in the 42^nd annual Sandhurst competition at West Point on Saturday, May 3 from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

            The three-time defending champion team from Canada’s Royal Military College will attempt to retain the title against teams from the United Kingdom’s Royal Military Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, Texas A&M University, Ohio State University, Brigham Young University, the University of North Dakota, and the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School.

Teams are comprised of eight men and one woman.  The competition consists of nine different events ranging from marksmanship to water crossings and tests individual and team military skills as well as athletic proficiency.  Teams accumulate points during the rigorous competition, and have the opportunity to earn up to 1000 points throughout the course.

The Sandhurst competition originated in 1967 when a sword was presented to the U.S. Military Academy by the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.  The inscription on the sword reads: “To provide the Corps of Cadets with a challenging and rewarding regimental skills competition, which will enhance professional development and military excellence in selected soldier skills.” From then on, an annual event has been held to do just that.