Equipment
By far, the greatest number of archers choose to shoot recurve bows, the modern version of the traditional Longbow. Rapid technological developments over the last few years have led to an increasing popularity with the 'compound' bow, distinguished by its much shorter length, pulley wheels, cables and telescopic sights.
The GNAS also recognises Crossbow Archery, which has become a distinctive, specialist discipline with its own rules and objectives.
Although wooden arrows are still shot by some archers, usually those who shoot the traditional longbow most arrows are produced from aluminium, carbon or a combination of both. They are extremely light and vary considerably in price depending on their toughness or durability.
Tournaments
Numerous outdoor and Indoor tournaments throughout the year are an important part of the sport for those of a more competitive nature. Nevertheless club and recreational archery is just as Important for people who find they have little time for any serious commitment, though still enjoy 'shooting arrows' with friends, family or colleagues in the familiar surroundings of their club.
Archery is also one of the few sports that is enjoyed with few compromises by people with most types of disability. Special guidance and instruction is available, even for the visually impaired. It is not uncommon to see disabled archers sometimes in wheelchairs, shooting alongside their able bodied friends on the same tournament shooting line.
The Grand National Archery Society
The GNAS is the recognised Governing Body for all forms of archery in the United Kingdom and is currently responsible for approximately 30,000 members. The GNAS is affiliated to the International Archery Federation (FITA) and is a member of the British Olympic Association.
Sports Council is also involved, generously providing valuable assistance with the Society's long term plans. By virtue of these affiliations and memberships, archery is represented in the Olympic Games, World and European Championships and other international events. The GNAS is also responsible for its own National Tournaments, usually organised and hosted by leading archery clubs or groups.
Its History
The Grand National Archery Society was originally founded in 1861, at meeting held at the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool, following events initiated in 1843, when the first Grand National Archery Meeting was held on the Knavesmire at York.
This is the "Papingo" shoot at Kilwinning in Ayrshire for which records go back to 1483. The Royal Toxophilites (f. 1781), Woodmen of Arden (f. 1785) and the Royal Company of Archers (f. 1676) in Scotland survive to this day to illustrate some of the ceremonial and historical activities of the earliest sporting societies.
Archery is an Olympic sport and was represented as early as 1900 at the Paris Olympiad. At the 1908 British Olympics it is interesting to note that the great all round British sportswoman, Lottie Dod (1871-1960) won the Silver Medal and her brother Willy won the Gold in the mens division. The Gold and Silver Medals in the women's division were also won by British archers.
Archery has now been an permanently established part of the Olympics since 1972 and has been highly commended by the International Olympic Committee for its ability to adapt to the changing face of sport and the media.
A wonderful and probably unique aspect of archery is the opportunity for competitors of any ability to compete.
A paraplegic archer won the Gold Medal at the 1982 Commonwealth Games, paraplegic archers also competed at the 1984 and 1996 Olympic Games alongside the able-bodied competitors.
British archers have won 9 medals at the last three Olympic Games.
