Archery is one of the most inclusive sports there is. With only minimal adaptation, people of all ages and abilities can take part, progress, and find a sense of belonging on the shooting line. It is a sport that builds confidence as much as skill, and one where community makes a genuine difference. At Ogmore Valley Archers, they embrace this and welcome members with diverse needs, so when the Marchers for Archers fundraising challenge was launched to support disabled archers, the club decided that they needed to be part of it, as Katy Gibson, OVA Treasurer, explains.
When the Marchers for Archers campaign for 2026 launched – supporting the Access Archery Fund, delivered by Archery GB in partnership with the Fletchers’ Trust – we knew immediately that we wanted to get involved. The Fund’s goal of improving access and providing equipment for disabled archers aligned with our club’s values. It offered a fantastic opportunity not only to raise money for adaptable equipment, but also to spotlight the importance of inclusivity within the sport.
To show our support, we decided on a fundraising idea that would be as memorable as it was meaningful: a seated and blindfolded archery competition. The aim was simple: place non-disabled archers in situations similar to those some disabled archers navigate every time they shoot. What does it feel like to shoot from a chair? To release an arrow without sight? The challenge was both fun and humbling, and – given my profession in health and safety – thoroughly risk‑assessed!
Seven brave archers, including myself, stepped forward to take part. Sponsorship was gathered in advance, and we invited participants to make voluntary donations to Marchers for Archers as an entry fee. A cake sale ran alongside the event, ensuring both morale and blood sugar remained high throughout the afternoon.
Our Chairman, Mark Nash, coached several archery newcomers, while non‑participating members continued their usual shooting on the remaining bosses. The competition commandeered the three middle bosses, meaning the participants had to stay focused amidst a bustling environment – no easy feat when blindfolds and unfamiliar shooting positions were involved.
To keep the challenge structured, I created a bespoke scoresheet and provided a small trophy for the winner. The competition consisted of three seated ends at 10m, 15m, and 20m, followed by a blindfolded end at 10m. Immense thanks must go to Rob Harris, who safely supervised the entire blindfolded round.
Despite the light‑hearted atmosphere, the competition itself was taken seriously. We quickly discovered how challenging the adjustments were – not only shooting distances some hadn’t attempted in a while, but doing so with additional constraints that required focus, trust, and technique. The experience offered genuine insight into the adaptations many disabled archers rely on.
Scores were tight. Simon Smith achieved an impressive 80 points across the three seated rounds but narrowly missed the target during the blindfolded end. This allowed Phil Isaac to edge ahead with a total score of 81, earning him the Blindfolded Archer trophy.
The fundraising total told a story of generosity and community spirit. The event raised £477 through sponsorship, voluntary entry donations, and the sale of cupcakes and hot cross buns – money that will help provide equipment and opportunities for disabled archers to participate fully in this wonderful sport. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, supported, and took part. A special thank you goes to Veriforce, who donated £150 as well as its many staff members who individually donated.
Ogmore Valley Archers has a proud history of championing inclusivity, and this event is just one example of our commitment. Plans are already underway for future activities, including a joint have‑a‑go open day with the local outdoor bowls club – another sport known for its accessible nature. If this event proved anything, it’s that creativity, community, and a shared love of archery can achieve remarkable things.
You can find out more about the Access Archery Fund and the amazing work our members and clubs have been doing to improve disabled access to archery by clicking on the link below:
