Balma arc Club: Aiming High in 2024
The Balma Arc Club (BAC) is gearing up for an exciting year, kicking off with a qualifying tournament for the French Championships on January 4th and 5th. This indoor competition will see archers from across the region vying for a spot in the national event.A New Era for Archery in Balma
Beyond the regular competitions held at the Jean-Rostand gymnasium, the BAC is poised for a transformative year. A brand new archery facility, spanning 348 square meters, is being constructed on the upper floor of the upcoming multi-purpose hall on Avenue des Arènes. Projected to be completed in late 2025, this dedicated space will considerably enhance the club’s capabilities.
“We’re eagerly anticipating the opening of our new facility,” says club president Vincent Denhez. “With our current membership of 140, we’ve reached our capacity limit at the gymnasium.” The new space will not only allow the BAC to expand its membership but also host competitions independently of the municipal gymnasium’s schedule.
Riding the Wave of olympic Success
The BAC is experiencing a surge in popularity, fueled in part by the impact of the Olympic Games on archery. This trend was further amplified by the participation of BAC member Aziza Benhami in the Paralympic Games in Paris just four months ago.
Adding to its appeal, the club recently launched a run archery section. This dynamic discipline, inspired by biathlon, replaces rifle shooting with archery, combining short sprints with precise archery shots. Run archery demands a unique blend of accuracy, physical fitness, and rapid recovery.
Mark Your Calendars: January Tournament
The BAC’s indoor archery competition will take place on January 4th and 5th at the Jean-Rostand gymnasium (4 Avenue Georges Pradel,Balma). Follow the signs for the event.
Registration fees are as follows:
Adults: €10 (2 rounds: €16,3 rounds: €24)
Team shooting: €12 per archer
* juniors (under 21): €8 (2 rounds: €12,3 rounds: €18)
Registration for the first session (2 PM) is prioritized for teams until December 24th,2024. After this date, registration will be open to all.
Aiming for the Gold: A Q&A wiht Archery Champion, Guillaume Albert
the Balma Arc Club (BAC) is abuzz with excitement as they gear up for a pivotal year filled with opportunities and expansion. To delve deeper into the world of archery and the club’s ambitions, we sat down with Guillaume Albert, a seasoned archer and former national champion.
Moderator: Guillaume, thanks for joining us today. The BAC is experiencing a period of notable growth, fueled by olympic success and the rising popularity of archery. What do you think is driving this surge in interest?
Guillaume Albert: Its fantastic to be here. I think there are several factors at play. The Olympics always brings a renewed focus to niche sports like archery,showcasing its athleticism and precision. Additionally, the inclusivity of archery is attracting a wider range of people, from those seeking a new challenge to those with physical limitations who find archery accessible and rewarding.
Moderator: Absolutely. the BAC’s new facility set to open in 2025 is a testament to this growth. How do you foresee this dedicated space impacting the club and the broader archery community in Balma?
Guillaume Albert: It’s a game-changer. Having a dedicated facility means the BAC can expand its membership, offer more training sessions, and host major competitions independently. This will elevate the profile of archery in Balma and attract talent from across the region.
Moderator: The BAC’s inclusion of run archery is an exciting progress. This dynamic discipline combines the challenges of archery with the athleticism of running. What are your thoughts on this innovative approach to archery?
Guillaume Albert: Run archery is thrilling! It demands a unique blend of skills – accuracy, endurance, and rapid recovery. It’s a fantastic way to engage new audiences and add a layer of excitement to conventional archery.
Moderator: Some might argue that the club’s focus on run archery could detract from traditional archery, Do you see it that way?
Guillaume Albert: Not at all. I see it as complementary. Run archery expands the archery landscape, attracting a new demographic and potentially inspiring them to explore traditional archery as well. It’s about enriching the sport, not diluting it.
Moderator: The BAC’s upcoming indoor tournament in January is a great opportunity for archers of all levels to showcase their skills. What advice would you give to archers preparing for this competition?
Guillaume Albert: Training consistently, focusing on your technique, and maintaining a calm and focused mindset are crucial.Remember,it’s about enjoying the process and pushing your personal best.
Moderator: for aspiring archers out there, what message would you like to share?
Guillaume Albert: Archery is a sport for everyone. It’s about patience, discipline, and finding your own flow. Don’t be afraid to try something new, and always remember to have fun!
What are your thoughts on the future of the Balma Arc Club and archery in general? Share your comments below!
