Livy Delage of USA Archery, details how archery programming can remove barriers for everyone.
If your department is seeking new, innovative and easy-to-implement programming in 2024, starting an archery program may just be able to help you reach your goals.
Archery is a lifetime sport — open to everyone — that can be introduced to youngsters, youth, adult and families in your community.
It’s accessible for both able-body participants and archers with disabilities. Archery is truly unique in that age, physical ability, gender and other traits that may prevent someone from excelling at or even trying a different activity are no barrier in this oldest of sports.
Simple adaptations to archery programs can break the stigma associated with disabilities and remove the barriers to conversations and interactions among groups of people who might otherwise be separated. This environment can be an enriching experience for all students of archery.
Furthermore, archery can be a relatively low-cost sport to implement, and it can be conducted in existing recreational spaces such as gyms, soccer fields and baseball fields. It’s a sport that can take place indoors, in your own backyard or in the great outdoors.
The sport of archery takes safety and well-being seriously. As such, there are detailed instructor certification courses that focus on range safety, range setup, steps of shooting, equipment and repair, and programs and lesson plans. This ensures all archery programs prioritize safety, which can boost the marketing value of your program to parents and other important community stakeholders.
Whether the goal is to get out and socialize, become active, or compete at the highest levels, archery is a sport that lends itself to any age, interest and ability. It’s also proven to benefit both physical and mental well-being for participants. With an archery program, athletes will have the opportunity to thrive as an individual or within a team, all while being embraced by a community coming together in a safe environment.
Being equipped with this knowledge can help administrators make key decisions on what programs to fund. Don’t miss out. Take action today and start a community archery program.
