On International Youth Day 2024, youngsters from Yipworld, a young persons charity, in Cumnock, East Ayrshire, got the opportunity to try archery (many for the first time!) as part of their Summer Scunnered Holiday Club, Team GB's Get Set Path to Paris programme and Archery GB's Aim for Paris.
Get Set is the British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association’s youth engagement programme. It was originally created as the official London 2012 education programme, to deliver against Lord Coe’s vision to use the Games to inspire a generation of young people.
The participants were split into various small groups across the day to try some soft archery within the IT suite at Yipworld, which the delivery of team adapted well to the environment. This was for the morning session where the children took part in variety of activities such as Round the Target and having the chance for a one arrow shoot-off.
The winners received Team GB prizes (bags, water bottles etc.) and all the youngsters were given Team GB badges, an Aim for Paris certificate and stickers, which provided further information on local clubs.
After a break for lunch, the group were treated to a clout type activity that involved propelling arrows up into the air from a distance towards the targets. As you can imagine this went down well with the children and even the staff!
During lunch, the youngsters were treated to a message from Team GB Paralympian Mel Clarke, who won Paralympic bronze and silver, as well as national, European and world titles over an impressive 21-year career. Mel’s message was very inspiring and included an insight into her life as a person and elite athlete. She also paid thanks to her parents who supported her throughout her career including through the ups and downs of professional sport.
Linda, one of the volunteers from Kilmarnock Barebow Archers commented on the day: ‘‘It was a great day with kids, so well behaved, sociable and could see children all making improvements across the course of the day which was really pleasing to see’’
Fellow Kilmarnock Barebow Archers’ club member and volunteer Eileen added to this: ‘‘It’s been great to for my mental health. Archery is an excellent way to improve focus and concentration as well an escapism from everyday life. I have really enjoyed being part of the day – the chance to get out the house and interact with others and in particular seeing the smiles on all the kids faces when they hit the target.’’
Craig from the West of Scotland Archery Association highlighted the importance and the satisfaction of giving back to the community: ‘‘I thoroughly enjoyed being involved today. I believe it is important to give back to the community by engaging with organisations such as Yip World who do fantastic work locally in Cumnock. This includes providing young people with the opportunity to learn a variety of skills through – they are a valuable asset to have in the community.’’
Yipworld founder and CEO Janice Hendry talked about the success of the day: ‘‘I can honestly say this has been a phenomenal success for us as an organisation within a rural town. Our staff have been introduced to new training and upskilling allowing children and young people to experience new opportunities and discover their natural talent in sport and sport associated activities. Archery is something that we had not considered, however following the input and training this will provide added value to our youth and community services. I would like to extend a huge thank you to all for the support and belief in our organisation and we look forward to this partnership in the future.’’
It’s great to see the far-reaching impact the Olympic and Paralympic games can have on communities like the small rural Scottish town of Cumnock, with a population of around 8700 people. Maybe we will see some future Olympians and Paralympians from that local area in the future!
Scottish Archery would like to thank Yipworld, Team GB Get Set programme and, in particular, the efforts and dedication of the volunteer team of Linda and Eileen from Kilmarnock Barebow Archers, and Craig from the West of Scotland Archery Association.
To find an Aim for Paris event near you, visit our Experience Finder:
