A first of its kind initiative to promote para archery in the UK was launched at Henry Cort Community College, Fareham on Tuesday 9 July.
With the support and help of Archery GB, this new archery initiative was run to coincide with Archery GB’s Aim for Paris events that are happening across the UK to encourage more people to try archery in the lead up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. A group of Year 9 non-disabled pupils were given the opportunity to find out for themselves the difference between non-disabled archery and what it’s like to shoot as a para wheelchair archer.
The pupils were able to benefit from the help and advice of Archery GB Para Academy member Steve Fidler, who showcased his shooting skills to the teenagers.
Christine Burdett-Clark, a para wheelchair archer and coach as well as an Ambassador for Archery GB, the national governing body for archery, created and organised the inaugural Reverse Integration Para Archery Course.
“I wanted to organise something that meant young people were able to experience both non-disabled and wheelchair versions of archery,” said Christine. “I’m delighted to say that the event was a huge success and we had really positive feedback from the school and the pupils. A big thank you must go to Henry Cort Community College for hosting the event too.”
Christine invited archery coaches with a variety of different backgrounds from around the UK to support the initiative and highlight the inclusivity and diversity of the sport.
Thanks to the support of Eight Foundation, the Fletchers’ Trust, The National Association of Disabled Archers (NADA) and Solent Mobility, Christine was able to purchase four active wheelchairs, targets and archery equipment. These will all continue to be used as part of the initiative to help educate children, adults and archery coaches across the UK.
Christine is very passionate about archery and promoting the sport. “Archery is so inclusive and something absolutely anyone can try,” she continues. “Alongside the physical benefits, it’s something that can help support and improve mental health. For the pupils to hear first-hand from Steve how archery has helped him after becoming disabled, and the benefits it has given him, was so powerful and helped to highlight how, no matter what life throws at you, you can do anything you put your mind to.”
As well as Steve, Christine also invited Gus McKechnie, a disabled marathon runner and Olympic torchbearer for 2012, to speak to the pupils about perseverance. Also on hand to showcase the diversity of archery were Deaf and hard of hearing archery coaches, Pascal Johnson and Kathy Johnson. Kathy and Pascal work as a team and were able to teach the pupils about how British Sign Language (BSL) is used in archery and to learn some of the basics to communicate with them and be able to shoot safely.
“Having Pascal and Kathy there too was brilliant,” commented Christine. “Not every disability can be seen, and while both rely on BSL, it doesn’t stop them being able to shoot. It gave the pupils further insight into the non-discriminatory nature of archery. I’m hoping this event format is something that will be rolled out across the UK, highlighting a variety of seen and unseen disabilities and raise awareness of archery’s inclusivity. The Olympic Games is underway now and it's not long until the Paralympic Games start, so I really hope the event has inspired the pupils to go and try archery as well as encouraging them to watch all our archers in Paris.”
“We are proud to be a part of the launch for the Aim for Paris reverse integration session,” said Mr Plomer, Head of PE at Henry Cort Community College. “It has given our students the opportunity to learn hands on about para sports. They came away with a positive mindset, and the session installed the idea to never give up and that anything is possible if you try for it."
“At Henry Cort, we pride ourselves on giving our students a wide variety of extra-curricular opportunities, allowing them a chance to learn a wider range of life skills,” commented Mr Rice, Headteacher at Henry Cort Community College. “We are extremely grateful to our visitors from Archery GB. Our students were given a fantastic introduction to archery and disability sport and hugely enjoyed the experience.”
If you’re interested in giving archery a go, Archery GB’s Aim for Paris initiative will see events taking place across the country in what is set to be a spectacular summer of sport. Archery clubs and providers will open their doors to potential archers, giving people of all ages and abilities the chance to try archery for the first time. It’s the perfect opportunity for anyone wanting to try something new, either on your own or with family and friends.
If you’d like to find out where your nearest Aim for Paris event or beginner’s course is, click the button below:
