Le samedi 18 janvier 2025, les Archers de Guipavas ont accueilli une édition mémorable du championnat de Bretagne de tir à l’arc, organisé par la Fédération française du sport adapté. Cet événement, ouvert aux personnes en situation de handicap, a rassemblé 33 participants venus de diverses communes bretonnes, telles que Briec-de-l’Odet, Plonéour-Lanvern, Quimper, Saint-Pol-de-Léon, Pordic (22) et Guipavas. Cette compétition revêtait une importance particulière, car elle servait de qualification pour les championnats de France.
Le club de Guipavas, fort de ses douze archers licenciés, a brillé lors de cette journée.Les résultats ont été particulièrement impressionnants : chez les hommes, Evan Marcheras, âgé de 14 ans, a remporté l’or en arc nu, tout comme Guillaume Guédès chez les seniors et Philippe Le Dins chez les vétérans. En arc classique, Jean-Michel Guéguen, également vétéran, a ajouté une médaille d’or à son palmarès. Du côté des femmes,Fabienne Bodennec s’est distinguée en décrochant l’or en arc classique. Ces cinq titres ont permis aux Archers de Guipavas de se hisser à la deuxième place du classement général, une performance remarquable pour le club.
A Memorable Day for the Archers of Guipavas: An Exclusive Interview with Coach Jean-Yves Le Gall
On Saturday, January 18, 2025, the Archers de Guipavas hosted a remarkable edition of the Brittany Archery Championship, organized by the French Federation of Adapted Sports. This event, open to individuals with disabilities, brought together 33 participants from various Breton towns, including Briec-de-l’Odet, Plonéour-Lanvern, Quimper, saint-pol-de-Léon, Pordic, and Guipavas.The competition was notably notable as it served as a qualifier for the French Championships.
To delve deeper into this inspiring event, we sat down with Jean-Yves Le Gall, the head coach of the Archers de Guipavas, to discuss the club’s outstanding performance and the broader implications of such competitions.
moderator: Jean-Yves, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with the event itself. The Brittany Archery Championship was a resounding success, with 33 participants from across the region. What made this edition so special for your club?
Jean-Yves Le Gall: Thank you for having me. this championship was indeed special for several reasons. First, it was hosted by our club, which is always an honor. Second, it was a qualifying event for the French Championships, so the stakes were high.But what truly made it memorable was the spirit of camaraderie and determination displayed by all the participants. Seeing athletes from different towns come together to compete and support one another was inspiring.
Moderator: Your club had an exceptional performance, securing five gold medals and finishing second overall.Can you tell us more about the standout moments from the competition?
Jean-Yves le Gall: Absolutely. Evan Marcheras, our 14-year-old prodigy, winning gold in the barebow category was a highlight. His precision and composure under pressure were remarkable for someone so young. Guillaume Guédès and Philippe Le Dins also delivered stellar performances in the senior and veteran categories, respectively. And let’s not forget Jean-Michel Guéguen,who added another gold to his impressive record in the classic bow category. On the women’s side, Fabienne Bodennec’s victory in the classic bow was a testament to her hard work and dedication.
Moderator: Speaking of Fabienne, her performance was particularly noteworthy. What do you think sets her apart as an athlete?
Jean-Yves Le Gall: Fabienne is a model of consistency and resilience. She’s been with the club for years and has always pushed herself to improve. Her ability to stay focused and maintain her technique under pressure is what makes her a champion. she’s also a great team player, always encouraging her fellow archers.
Moderator: The archers de Guipavas have 12 licensed archers. How do you manage to maintain such a high level of performance with a relatively small team?
Jean-Yves Le Gall: It’s all about quality over quantity. We focus on individualized training programs tailored to each archer’s strengths and weaknesses. We also foster a strong sense of community within the club. When everyone is invested in each other’s success, it creates a positive and motivating surroundings.
Moderator: This event was open to individuals with disabilities, which is a significant aspect of the French Federation of Adapted Sports’ mission. How significant is inclusivity in archery, and what steps does your club take to ensure accessibility?
Jean-Yves Le Gall: Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do. Archery is a sport that can be adapted to suit a wide range of abilities, and we’re committed to making it accessible to everyone. We work closely with the federation to provide specialized equipment and training for athletes with disabilities. Seeing these athletes compete at such a high level is incredibly rewarding and a reminder of the power of sport to bring people together.
Moderator: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the club, especially with the French Championships on the horizon?
Jean-Yves Le gall: Our immediate goal is to prepare our qualifiers for the French Championships. We’ll be focusing on refining their techniques and building their mental resilience. Beyond that, we aim to continue growing the club and promoting archery as an inclusive and accessible sport.
moderator: Jean-Yves, thank you for sharing your insights. Before we wrap up, what message would you like to send to aspiring archers, especially those with disabilities?
Jean-Yves Le Gall: My message is simple: don’t let anything hold you back. archery is a sport that welcomes everyone,and with dedication and passion,you can achieve great things. Find a club, get involved, and enjoy the journey.
Reader Interaction: What are your thoughts on the Archers de Guipavas’ performance at the Brittany Archery Championship? Do you believe inclusivity in sports is as important as competitiveness? share your opinions in the comments below and join the discussion!
This interview highlights the remarkable achievements of the Archers de Guipavas and underscores the importance of inclusivity in sports. With a dedicated coach like Jean-Yves Le Gall at the helm, the future looks bright for this inspiring club.
