Twenty-four Taiwanese archers have journeyed halfway across the world to compete in a youth tournament hosted by the Gosnells Archers Club.
Held last Sunday at the club’s grounds next to the Huntingdale Community Centre, the event featured 42 archers competing in a 720-ranking round.
The tournament gave our local archers the opportunity to test their skills as they competed alongside 23 young athletes from Taiwan in an impressive display of archery.
President of Archery WA, Nadia Cunningham, is proud of the successful outcome of the tournament, pointing out the work involved in organising such an event.
“The event was a fantastic success, with the youth from WA and Taiwan both enjoying and gaining so much from the experience.”
“There has been amazing growth in WA in Youth Archers participating in State and National level events, and it is due to the dedication and commitment of volunteers at clubs like Gosnells Archers,” Ms Cunningham said.
According to Archery Australia’s 2023 Annual Report, post-COVID participation numbers have surged, with local competitions reaching a record-breaking approximate total of 7,500 annual members.
The Taiwanese archers from the Taitung Sports Centre expressed their gratitude to the Gosnells Archers Club and the Gosnells Rotary Club for their support during the event.
“In addition to having a perfect venue, kind and helpful staff, young and energetic players, delicious food and drinks were also provided. Many thanks to Gosnells Archers for organising this event,” they said.
“The students enjoyed the competition and were delighted to receive adorable commemorative koala dolls.”
City of Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes, who was in attendance last Sunday at the event, also praised the dedication and skill of the archers.
“I’ve heard that we already have some rising stars in our youth team. If you’re interested in trying archery, Gosnells Archers offers beginner lessons on Saturday mornings,” Mayor Lynes said.
‘”We are fortunate to have such a range of sporting opportunities for youth in the City of Gosnells.”
Ms Cunningham notes that the spotlight on archery recently during the Paris 2024 Olympics has led to a surge of interest in the sport within the wider Perth community.
“Archery WA reliably sees increased interest in Archery in the community when the Olympics and Paralympics are on, and this provides an exciting opportunity for clubs to introduce people to the sport,” Cunningham said.
“Many clubs run ‘Come n Try’ and Beginner’s Courses. Archery is an inclusive sport that people of different ages and abilities can participate in.”
