Archery Enthusiasts Converge on La Flèche for Thrilling Indoor Competition
The La Flèche Archery Club hosted its first indoor competition of the year, drawing archers from across France. This event, held on January 4th and 5th at the Monnerie gymnasium, served as a crucial stepping stone for archers aiming to qualify for the French Championships in agen on February 26th and 27th.
Géraldine Tessier, the club’s captain and coach, highlighted the meaning of the competition, stating, “Our indoor competition allows archers to accumulate points towards the final championship. This weekend, we welcomed participants from the Grand Ouest, the Paris region, and the Center region, with a majority hailing from Sarthe and Mayenne.”
the competition saw a surge in participation, with 23 archers competing on Saturday and an impressive 40 and 47 archers taking aim on Sunday morning and afternoon respectively.
Among the competitors was Soléna Bergeron, a rising star in her second season. Under the guidance of Marie-France morin, a seasoned archer with numerous departmental and regional titles, Soléna showcased her talent in the U15 category. At just 13 years old, she has already made a mark in the under-21 age group, demonstrating the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
The La Flèche Archery Club, which has seen its membership grow from 51 to 70, actively seeks to attract more young archers. The club fosters a strong sense of community, with experienced archers mentoring and supporting their younger counterparts. this intergenerational bond creates a vibrant and supportive habitat for archers of all ages.
The La Flèche Archery Club’s indoor competition not only provided a platform for archers to hone their skills but also served as a testament to the enduring popularity of archery in France. The event’s success underscores the club’s dedication to promoting this sport and nurturing the next generation of archery champions.
The competition was free to attend, offering spectators a chance to witness the skill and precision of these dedicated archers.
Aiming for Gold: An interview with Archery champion Jean-Luc Dubois
Welcome back, sports fans! Today, we have a very special guest joining us – jean-Luc Dubois, a three-time French National Archery Champion and a seasoned coach with decades of experience under his belt. We’ll be diving into the exciting world of archery, sparked by the recent indoor competition hosted by the La Flèche Archery Club.
Jean-Luc, thanks for joining us!
Jean-Luc Dubois: It’s a pleasure to be here. Archery is a sport close to my heart, and I’m always happy to discuss its growth and see young talent emerge.
Let’s talk about this recent competition in La Flèche. Over 200 archers participated, with many coming from across france.What impact do you think this kind of regional competition has on the sport?
Jean-Luc Dubois: These regional competitions are absolutely vital. They provide archers, especially those starting out, with a platform to hone their skills, gain experience in a competitive environment, and most importantly, build confidence. The La flèche club deserves a lot of praise for hosting such a well-attended event.
The article mentions a surge in participation, especially among young archers. What do you attribute this growth to?
Jean-Luc Dubois: I believe several factors are contributing to archery’s rising popularity. It’s a sport accessible to people of all ages and abilities, it requires focus and discipline, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see progress. Plus, with the success of French archers in international competitions, there’s a renewed inspiration for young people to pick up a bow.
The article specifically highlights 13-year-old Soléna Bergeron, who’s already making waves in the U15 and under-21 categories. That’s incredible!
Jean-Luc Dubois: Soléna is a shining example of the talent we’re seeing emerge.It’s crucial to nurture these young athletes,provide them with proper coaching,and give them opportunities to compete. It’s heartwarming to see the dedication and passion these young archers possess.
The article mentions La Flèche Archery Club’s focus on intergenerational mentorship. Do you think this approach is beneficial for the development of young archers?
Jean-Luc Dubois: Absolutely. Having experienced archers mentor younger ones creates a positive and supportive environment. The younger generation learns valuable techniques and strategies, while the seasoned archers find new energy and inspiration in guiding the next generation. It’s a win-win situation.
It’s clear that La Flèche Archery Club is thriving.What advice would you give to othre clubs looking to encourage growth in their membership and foster a similar community spirit?
Jean-luc Dubois: Organize regular events, tournaments, and workshops. Create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels agreeable.Partner with local schools and community centers to introduce archery to a wider audience. And, most importantly, emphasize the fun and enjoyment that archery brings.
thank you for sharing your insights, Jean-Luc. You’ve given us a lot to think about.
Jean-Luc Dubois: My pleasure. Remember, archery is a sport for everyone. It’s a journey of patience, precision, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
What do you think?
Do you think archery is gaining the recognition it deserves as a sport? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
