GNAS/DSE National Archery Championships
May 17th 18th 2008
Sparrow Hall Farm , Eddlesborough, Beds
The day started very dull, cold, windy and some showers but with the prospect of the largest number of competitors who have ever attended these championships we looked forward to a good competition. In the past this event has been held as a FITA over 2 days with the shorter distances and the Burntwood round taking place on day 2. this year we have changed the format to include all competitors on day 1, with a FITA 720 and an Olympic round on the Sunday. This new format worked very well and allowed newcomers to the event to see the longer distances and to give a feeling of being included in the whole event.
In spite of the weather a number of personal best scores were achieved and even a 6 gold end for one happy recurve archer. A number of the competitors were competing for the first time and were able to achieve scores which allowed them to win medals.
On day 2, (cloudy, cold and gusting wind) we held the 720 and Olympic rounds and the ultimate winner Pippa Britton (compound) achieved a PB for the round and a PB for the final of the Head to Head. Paul Browne hit a good streak of form at this H2H was pleased to be the winner when competing against other squad members.
We have to thank BOOST and UK Sport for the help and sponsorship we have received this year and for the help and use of the shooting ground from “The Archery warehouse” and the provision of helpers throughout the day. Our intention was to provide a good event for the archers who attended and to raise the profile of disabled archery for the benefit of all of our disabled archers so that we can look forward to an even better and bigger National Championships in years to come.
In 2009 the event will be held sometime in June. (this date to be settled as soon as possible so that we do not clash with any other major event ) We also intend to invite some teams from our nearest European neighbours, eg, France, Holland and Belgium and to include the National Champs as part of the “GB Archery” calender of events from here on.
Chris Christopherson
Chairman.
GB Archery.
Disability Archery Committee.