Blesma, a UK charity supporting veterans with limb loss or visual impairment, arranged an archery taster session for its members with Sherwood Archers, a club near Southwell.
Sherwood's coaches, while enthusiastic, felt they could benefit from additional support for veterans with specific needs, and they reached out to local coaches with experience guiding disabled archers, expanding their coaching team through their Regional Development Officer, Helen Smedley.
The event on Saturday 9 June, proved to be a resounding success. Participants embraced the coaching and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Many noted similarities to their past firearms training, rekindling a sense of accomplishment. Sherwood Archers expressed their thanks to Peter Sisson, Steve and Charlotte Attwood, and Simon Barnicott. Simon brought a specially designed mounted bow, enabling participation for those with limb loss, limited arm mobility, or those who could only use their fingers to release arrows.
The group organiser, Sarah, was equally enthusiastic about the session and is exploring future opportunities. One of the group, Dave Coupe, who uses a wheelchair with a standing function, shared his experience: “I really enjoyed it. I have done archery before I was in a wheelchair. My chair enables me to stand in an almost vertical position, and it was the first time I had done it from this chair, which makes you feel a bit more normal. I shall be looking up a club a bit closer to me. If you have a disability, just go for it – it’s for everybody: archery, it doesn’t matter, just get out and do it.”
This exemplifies the positive impact of collaboration between members of the archery community. By combining Blesma's initiative, Sherwood Archers' willingness to learn, and the experienced coaching team, veterans with disabilities were empowered to experience the thrill of archery.
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