A Triumph of Teamwork: La Roche-Chalais hosts Accomplished Regional Archery Championships
Pulling off a major sporting event in just three weeks is no small feat. Yet, that’s exactly what the Archers de la Double, La Roche-Chalais’ local archery club, accomplished in partnership with the city’s sports department.
when the originally planned host city backed out, the pressure was on. Alain Trotet, head of the city’s sports department, along with his technical team, joined forces with Patrick Nourisson, the Ligue de Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s technical director, to make the event a reality. Their collaborative effort ensured that the 14 events of the regional archery championships proceeded seamlessly.
The gymnasium buzzed with activity as 108 archers, representing 47 clubs from across New Aquitaine, competed in three distinct disciplines: recurve, barebow, and compound archery. The diverse field included 34 women and 74 men, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity. Among the participants was Marion Bardary, a rising star aiming to secure a spot on the French team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Adding to the event’s prestige, six national referees volunteered their expertise to ensure fair play and accurate scoring. The medal ceremony was a poignant moment, with Virginie arnold, president of the regional federation and a bronze medalist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, presenting awards alongside Jean-Michel Sautreau, mayor of La Roche-Chalais, and Françoise Beauvais, widow of Jean-Denis Beauvais.
The archery community took the opportunity to remember Jean-Denis Beauvais, a beloved figure who founded the Archers de la Double club and served as a referee and president of the Dordogne departmental committee. His dedication and contributions to the sport were deeply appreciated, and his absence was keenly felt.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: An interview with archery Icon Sylvie Couderc
The recent regional archery championships in La Roche-Chalais were a resounding success, pulling off a stunning feat by organizing the event in just three weeks. To dissect this impressive accomplishment and delve deeper into the world of archery, we sat down with Sylvie Couderc, a three-time Olympian and a beloved figure in the sport.
Moderator: Sylvie, thank you so much for joining us today. It was truly remarkable how La Roche-Chalais managed to host the championships so successfully on such short notice. What are your thoughts on the city’s and the Archers de la Double’s ability to pull this off?
Sylvie Couderc: It’s truly inspiring! It highlights the power of collaboration and dedication. Pulling off a major sporting event requires meticulous planning and a huge commitment from everyone involved. The fact that the city’s sports department, the Archers de la Double, and the Ligue de Nouvelle-Aquitaine came together so effectively is a testament to their passion for archery.
Moderator: Absolutely. The event saw a diverse range of participants, demonstrating archery’s growing appeal. What factors do you think are contributing to this rising popularity of the sport?
Sylvie Couderc: Archery is a sport that transcends age, gender, and physical limitations.It’s incredibly accessible, requiring focus, precision, and mental fortitude more than brute strength. This creates a level playing field for people from all walks of life. Plus, the meditative aspect of archery, the calm concentration it demands, resonates with many people in our increasingly hectic world.
Moderator: I couldn’t agree more. The presence of a rising star like Marion Bardary at the championships, aiming for a spot on the French Olympic team, is incredibly exciting.What advice would you give to young archers like Marion who are striving for Olympic glory?
Sylvie Couderc: While talent is important, it’s unwavering dedication and perseverance that pave the road to Olympic success. Marion should focus on honing her technique, pushing her limits, and learning from every experience, both victories and setbacks. she should also embrace the journey, enjoying the process of growth and enhancement.
Moderator: Those are indeed words of wisdom.The event was made even more special by the tribute to Jean-Denis Beauvais, a true pillar of the archery community in Dordogne. What was his legacy, and how will his absence be felt?
Sylvie Couderc: Jean-Denis was a driving force behind archery in our region – a mentor, a leader, a friend. he inspired countless archers, from beginners to seasoned competitors. His passion for the sport was infectious.His absence is deeply felt, but his legacy will live on through the archers he nurtured and the community he helped build.
Moderator: Sylvie,before we wrap up,any final thoughts on the significance of archery events like these,both for the sport and for the athletes involved?
Sylvie Couderc: Events like the regional championships are essential,providing a platform for archers to showcase their skills,compete at a high level,and connect with fellow archers from across the region. It’s a breeding ground for talent,a launchpad for dreams.
This interview with Sylvie Couderc provides a engaging glimpse into the world of archery, highlighting the incredible collaboration, passion, and individual journeys bound together by this remarkable sport. What are your thoughts on the future of archery? Share your opinions and join the conversation!
