MERRIMACK — Five New Hampshire teens, including one from Merrimack, have been selected to participate in the Young Rescuers USA 2012 Team, which will represent America in an international rally later this year.

Connor Martin, a sophomore at Merrimack High School, was chosen because of his athletic and academic skills, according to the director.

“He has demonstrated a strong interest learning basic first aid and rescue, and is an upstanding young man who will represent our country well at this international competition,” said Lt. Leo Roy, Young Rescuers USA training director.

The team will learn and compete in basic life safety competitions and take excursions to cultural, scenic and historic sites throughout the Republic of Belarus in Eastern Europe where the International Rally of Young Rescuers will be held at Lake Naroch from Sept. 15-23.

Martin, 15, is a member of the Manchester Fire Explorers, and has been interested in participating in the rally ever since his brother competed in it two years ago.

“I was actually surprised when I was selected,” Martin said on Thursday. “I've always been interested in emergency personnel.”

Connor, who plays for the Merrimack High School football and track teams, has aspirations of one day becoming a U.S. Marine. This rally is one step toward that goal, according to Connor, who said he is excited to travel to Belarus.

“It will be interesting to see the different ways they respond to emergencies. Our country is a lot different, as they are a community country over there,” said Connor. “It will be a great experience.”

The national team consists of four other New Hampshire residents, including Delanie Kneeland of Windham, Jordan McAdam of Hudson, Kyle Morin of Mont Vernon and Jared Schoneberger of Derry. Two other team members are Arielle Leeman of Bath, Maine, and Zachary Wiskow of Matthews, N.C.

Team alternates are: Austin Hammer of Bedford, Anne Duffley of Manchester and Nathaniel Yaakov of Manchester.

More than 15 countries will participate in the annual competition. The youth will train as a team, under the direction of Roy, to compete in international rescue and firefighter competitions at the rally.

Young Rescuers USA is a private, non-profit program for young people that builds character, teaches basic first aid and emergency training and life saving skills, develops international understanding, cooperation and friendship, and promotes personal fitness, according to a release.

khoughton@newstote.com