A Lifetime Dedicated to Archery: Yves Verdier Honored for Six Decades of Passion
yves Verdier, a 72-year-old resident of Piennes-Onvillers, recently received a well-deserved medal recognizing his remarkable sixty years of dedication to archery. verdier, who currently serves as captain and dean of the local bow company, has been an integral part of the archery community as his childhood.
His journey began at the tender age of eleven when his uncle, Raymond Baillon, introduced him to the sport. Verdier fondly recalls his early days as a member of the Tilloloy bow company, which regrettably ceased operations, leading him to join the piennes company around 1976.
Over the years, Verdier has witnessed the ebb and flow of membership within the piennes-Onvillers bow company. While the company boasted forty licensees just three years ago, its numbers have dwindled to eleven, ranging in age from eight to seventy-two. Verdier attributes this decline, in part, to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted many sporting activities.
Despite the challenges, Verdier cherishes his memories of competing as part of the Picardie team, even participating in a Coupe de France event in Lille during the late 1980s.
As Verdier prepares to step down from his leadership role on april 30th, marking the end of the bird shooting season, he expresses a bittersweet mix of emotions. While he eagerly anticipates devoting more time to his other passion,fishing,he harbors concerns about the future of the bow company.”I fear the company may become inactive due to the lack of a successor,” Verdier admits, noting that the secretary, Cathy, will also be retiring alongside him.
The recent medal ceremony, held on January 29th by the departmental commitee in Dreuil-lès-Amiens, served as a poignant reminder of Verdier’s enduring commitment to archery.
“Receiving this medal was deeply moving,” Verdier shared. ”It’s a testament to my lifelong passion for the sport.”
Mayor Brigitte Devismes, who was recently appointed honorary constable by Verdier in recognition of her support for the municipality, expressed her admiration for his dedication.
“Mr. Verdier’s gesture was incredibly touching,” Devismes remarked. “He is a truly dedicated individual.”
A Legacy in Arrows: An Interview with Yves Verdier
Welcome back to The Sporting Life, where we celebrate the triumphs and journeys of those who dedicate themselves to the world of athletics. Today, we have the honor of speaking with Yves Verdier, a man whose passion for archery has spanned six decades and touched the lives of many in his community.
Yves, thank you for joining us. Sixty years is an incredible commitment to any sport. What first ignited your love for archery?
Yves Verdier: ”It all started when I was just eleven years old. My uncle, Raymond Baillon, introduced me to the sport, and something about the focus, the precision required – it just clicked with me. I joined the Tilloloy bow company, and from that moment, I was hooked.”
That’s a heartwarming story! You’ve witnessed quite a bit of change over those years. The article mentions a decline in membership at the Piennes-Onvillers bow company. What do you attribute this trend to, and what are your concerns for the future of the sport?
Yves Verdier: ”Yes, it’s been a worrying trend. We had forty members just three years ago, but now we’re down to eleven. Sadly, COVID had a significant impact, disrupting many sporting activities, and it’s hard to rebuild that momentum.My biggest fear is that the company will simply become inactive. We’re losing valuable experience as older members retire, including myself in April, and younger generations don’t seem to be picking up the bow as readily.”
That’s a sobering reality. The article mentions your retirement. While you’re looking forward to devoting more time to fishing,it must be bittersweet to step back knowing the potential future of the company hangs in the balance.
Yves Verdier: “It is bittersweet. I’ve poured my heart into this bow company, and saying goodbye is tough. It’s not just about the sport; it’s about the community we’ve built, the friendships forged. But I also recognize the need to pass the torch. future generations need to feel that same passion, that same drive to keep the sport alive.”
so, you believe attracting younger archers is crucial for the longevity of the sport?
Yves Verdier: Absolutely. It’s not just about having enough players; it’s about nurturing the spirit of archery, the values it embodies.
What initiatives do you think could help attract and engage younger people in archery?
Yves Verdier: We need to make it more accessible, more appealing. Organized school programs, community outreach, perhaps even demonstrating archery at local events could pique their interest.
Let’s delve into your competitive days. You competed for the Picardie team and even participated in the Coupe de France in Lille. What are some of your fondest memories from those experiences?
Yves Verdier: Those were incredible times! The camaraderie, the adrenaline rush of competition, pushing ourselves to be our best – it was exhilarating. Competing against archers from across the region, feeling that sense of pride representing Picardie – it’s something I’ll cherish forever.
Those are certainly memories to be treasured. And your dedication to the sport has been recognized with a well-deserved medal from the departmental committee.
how did you feel receiving this honour?
Yves Verdier: Receiving that medal was deeply moving. It affirmed that my life’s dedication to archery hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Yves, what advice would you give to young people considering taking up archery?
Yves Verdier: Don’t hesitate! Archery is a sport that challenges you physically and mentally, it teaches discipline, focus, and patience. There’s a profound sense of satisfaction that comes with hitting that bullseye.
Yves,thank you for sharing your incredible journey. You are a true inspiration,not only for archers but for anyone passionate about their chosen pursuit.
Readers,what are your thoughts on the challenges facing archery today? What can be done to ensure its longevity? Share your opinions and keep the conversation going!
