WEST POINT, N.Y. – More than 400 cadets from military academies and universities around the world will compete in the 44th annual Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at West Point on Saturday, April 10, at Camp Buckner starting at 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The competition is free and open to the public.  Spectator parking will be indicated along Route 293. Information about where to go to best view the competition will be provided at the Sandhurst Visitor's Booth.

The defending champion team from the Royal Military College of Canada will attempt to retain the title against teams from West Point; U.S. Naval Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy; eight select university ROTC teams; U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School; United Kingdom’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst; Afghanistan's National Military Academy and the Chilean Military School.

Teams are comprised of eight men and one woman.  The competition consists of 11 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 competition originated in 1967 when the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst presented a sword to the U.S. Military Academy.  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.

For further information, contact the West Point Visitors Center at 845-938-2638. 

About West Point
Ranked the “Top College in the Country” by Forbes and “Top Public Liberal Arts College” by US News & World Report, the U.S. Military Academy is a four-year co-educational federal undergraduate liberal arts college located 50 miles north of New York City.  The world's preeminent leader development institution, it was founded in 1802 as America's first college of engineering.  Its mission remains constant—to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army.  For more information, go to www.westpoint.edu.