The Parisian Games: A Boost for archery in bigorre?
Following the triumphant Paris Olympics, the archery community is brimming with hope for a surge in participation this fall. The Games, set against the stunning backdrop of the Invalides gardens, showcased the sport’s elegance and athleticism, culminating in two podium finishes for France.
The men’s team secured a silver medal,while Lisa Barbelin claimed bronze,adding their contributions to France’s notable medal tally. These “magnificent” results could reverberate throughout the archery world, notably in the Bigorre region, where clubs are eagerly anticipating a potential influx of new archers.
“We’re certainly hoping so,” says Christine Marleaux, president of the Archers de Bigorre club in Tarbes. “Typically,Olympic medals led to a few extra registrations in the fall. But this time, it’s not just the medals; the entire French team shone, even those who didn’t reach the podium.The exposure archery received was exceptional, far exceeding the norm. Thanks to our athletes and the breathtaking views of the Invalides, archery has captured the public’s inventiveness.”
The Archers de Bigorre, with 78 members, is currently thriving, having recovered its pre-pandemic membership numbers. However, like many sports, attracting young people remains a challenge.
“Those under 18 represent about a quarter of our members,” Marleaux explains. “We’d love to see that number grow, especially for competitive archery.”
Open to children as young as seven and with no upper age limit, the club offers a variety of archery styles, including 18m and 70m distances, outdoor and nature courses, and recreational and competitive options. Recognizing the need for inclusivity, the club actively encourages young archers by minimizing financial barriers for parents.
“We lend equipment to beginners, especially children,” marleaux notes. “They grow quickly, and archery equipment can be expensive.This approach ensures we have a pipeline of young archers for the future. We’re also actively working to attract more women to the sport.”
Archery is one of the few Olympic disciplines that allows for mixed-gender teams, making it a truly inclusive sport.Training sessions are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays for juniors and Thursdays through Saturdays for adults, all led by qualified instructors. Competitions take place approximately every three weeks.
For those interested in exploring archery, the departmental committee will be present at the Soues Sports Festival, and the Archers de Bigorre will host an open house on September 14th.
Where to Shoot Your Arrows in Bigorre
Club des Archers de Bigorre (Tarbes): 06.41.89.73.76
Club des Archers de Febus (Vic and Pyrénées Atlantiques)
Club des Archers Bandouliers (Lannemezan): 06.88.15.74.94
Club de Séméac olympique tir à l’arc: 06.15.24.74.90
* Club des Archers de Lourdes
Teh parisian Games: A Boost for Archery in Bigorre?
Good evening everyone, and welcome to tonight’s discussion: The Parisian Games: A Boost for Archery in Bigorre?
As we all know, the recent Paris Olympics showcased the sheer thrill and precision of archery on a global stage. The triumphs of our athletes, the breathtaking displays of skill, and the nail-biting tension of every shot have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the sporting world.
But tonight, we want to delve into a specific question – can this Olympic success translate into a surge in popularity for archery, particularly in the beautiful region of Bigorre?
We have a fantastic panel of guests tonight, all deeply learned and passionate about archery and it’s future.
Before we begin, I want to briefly touch on the point raised by [[3]] about leadership in sports. Effective leadership is crucial not only for athletes striving for Olympic glory but also for the growth and development of any sport at a regional level. We’ll be exploring how strong leadership within the Bigorre archery community can leverage the momentum of the Paris games to inspire a new generation of archers.
Now, let’s open the floor for discussion. We’ll be exploring the following key points:
The “Olympic Effect”: Has there been a noticeable increase in interest in archery in Bigorre as the Paris Games?
Grassroots development: What initiatives are in place or needed to nurture young talent in the region?
Accessibility and inclusivity: How can we make archery more accessible to people of all backgrounds and abilities?
Community Building: How can we foster a strong and supportive archery community in Bigorre?
I encourage you all to actively participate, share your insights, and engage respectfully with each other’s perspectives. Remember, [[1]] the goal is to have a stimulating and enlightening conversation that sheds light on the potential for archery to thrive in Bigorre.
Let’s begin. [[2]] I’ll be ensuring a constructive and balanced dialogue, but your active participation is what will truly make this discussion a success.
