The GSSF in collaboration with World Archery Americas, concluded phase one of its inaugural PVC Archery Development Seminar in Georgetown, conducted by international archer/coach Mr. Diego Torres of Columbia.
Mr. Torres is currently being hosted in Guyana by the GSSF to conduct various seminars for members of the Foundation: the focus of which will be archery safety, the fabrication of PVC bows and teaching the correct form for target archery. Seminars are geared to give participants the knowledge as to how to further develop this longstanding Olympic sport by making these low cost bows which will then be used for training and local competitions. Shooting practice sessions have also been scheduled to ensure that members practice the fundamentals of the sport of Archery from the beginning. Mr. Torres indicated he is very happy that he is working with a lot of beginners so therefore no “bad-habits’ would already have been cultivated with respect to form which is significantly harder to remedy.
The first phase of the Seminar which concluded Wednesday saw participants instructed in hands on fabrication of PVC target archery bows, complete with stabilizer system. Members were trained in the safe use of power tools and handling chemicals in order to shape and assemble these low cost archery tools. This phase materialized several PVC Bows for use by the members of the GSSF. Nineteen individuals took part in this phase and are now able to continue the project which is now present in four countries, namely Columbia, Bolivia, Paraguay and Guyana.
The second phase of the Seminar involves members receiving expert coaching in the correct form of archery, safety instructions using the several newly fabricated bows at both indoor and outdoor facilities. Shooting sessions have commenced at the indoor facility thanks to the assistance of the Government of Guyana, Ministry of Education, Department of Sport and the National Sports Commission. These sessions are being held at the National Gymnasium for indoor and at the Leonora Synthetic Track for outdoor shooting.
President of the Foundation, Ms. Vidushi Persaud recorded her delight at this project and her sincere thanks to members, Messrs. Ryan McKinnon, Vish Sookdeo, Gamal Mohamed and Robert Badal. She also expressed thanks to Mr. Shameer Mohamed and the management of Ocean Spray International Hotel, Mr. Ryan Rahaman of JR Burgers, Ms. Sharda Veeren-Chand of Demerara Distillers Limited, Mr. Komal Singh and Mr. Lennox Khush of Starr Party Rental. Ms. Persaud stated that amidst the busy week of coaching, shooting lessons and various seminars, plans are progressing full-steam for the official Launch of Archery Guyana to prior to the departure of Mr. Torres. In this regard, she thanks the additional support the GSSF has been receiving from the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs to plan for an exciting launch of Archery Guyana.
In 3 pictures below:
Photo 1: Minister Nicolette Henry, Minister within the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth & Sport: Courtesy visit with Mr. Torres and President of the GSSF, Ms. Persaud and Asst. Secretary/Treasurer, Mr. Ryan McKinnon
Photo 2: Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Junior Minister of Indigenous Affairs: Courtesy visit with Mr. Torres and President of the GSSF, Ms. Persaud and Asst. Secretary/Treasurer, Mr. Ryan McKinnon
Photo 3: Mr. Torres with some of the participants in the PVC Bow Fabrication Seminar.
