Archery, from Latin arcus. is one of the oldest arts still practiced. Historically archery has been used for hunting and combat. Evidence of ancient archery has been found throughout the world. In modern times, its main use is that of a competitive sport and recreational activity. Competitive archery is Target Archery and involves shooting arrows at a target from a set distance or distances. A form particularly popular in Europe and America is field archery, shot at targets generally set at various distances in a wooded setting.
Para-Archery is an adaptation of archery for athletes with a disability.
Target Archery is contested internationally at the following events:
- Olympics
Archery first appeared in the Olympic Games in 1900 and was contested again in 1904, 1908, and 1920. Women competed in the 1904 Olympics, making archery one of the first sports to include women.
Archery was re-introduced to the Olympic program in 1972 with individual events for men and women. In Seoul 1988, the team competition was introduced to the medal program. Barcelona 1992 was the first time that archery featured the exciting head-to-head elimination competition.
- World Championships
World Archery has held World Championships since 1931. Competitions were held in four events: an individual event for men and women and a team event for men and women from 1931 to 1993.
In 1995 the Compound Bow Division was added for men and women and for men's and women's teams.
Target World Championships were organised every single year until 1959 (with a few exceptions), but since then they have been held every two years only.
The first World Field Championships were held in 1959, but the second championship was not held until ten years later. World Field Championships are now organised every two years.
World Indoor Championships is a recent competition. The first organised World Indoor Championships took place in 1991.
1991 was the first World Youth Championships, in Sandefjord, Norway. The Compound Division and the Olympic Round head-to-head format were introduced for the 1994 Championships, in Roncegno, Italy.
More information can be found at www.worldarchery.org
Archery is practiced and contested by all age ranges, genders and abilities. It is a very social sport and provides the opportunity to, shoot in a social setting and participate, should you want, in friendly competitions. It is very family-oriented and you can find males and females, young and old, able and disabled all shooting and competing together.
If you’re seeking a technical challenge, you will find intensity, focus, dedication and discipline are as important in archery as precision and accuracy in shooting.
Archery is a sport that provides a balance between fun and health no matter your age or ability.
The Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation is set to become the first archery sporting body in Guyana. We are aware of numerous Guyanese with an interest in archery and we have embarked upon activities to provide the necessary structure and facilities necessary to promote and develop this magnificent sport.
The Next Step
You may now be interested in Archery. Well your next steps are simple. Firstly, become a member of the Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation. New shooters will be required to take an orientation seminar before taking part in the events. If you are already affiliated to a World Archery affiliated organisation you will soon find the schedule on the website www.guyanasportshooting.com. Register with us for which event you want to attend (Indoor and Outdoor). See you out there.
Archery Guyana took the sport of archery again to the GTT. This time at their Duck Curry Competition and Family Fun Day on Saturday, September 16 at Demerara Park, Georgetown.
