Anyone walking by 麻豆社国产Elementary on Saturday (June 25) probably should have kept their head up.
Some of the top local young archers took over the school's field to take part in the Junior Olympic Program (JOP) competition, one of three events around the province that wrapped up the British Columbia Archery Association's (BCAA) outdoor season.
According to Chris Wike, the archery director for the 麻豆社国产Valley Rod and Gun Club, it was a strong finish to the season.
"We were quite pleased with how the event went overall," he said. "We were particularly grateful for the sunny weather."
Wike noted that 16 JOP kids, ranging in age from 10 to 21, participated in the official tournament. Each archer shot a total of 30 arrows at the 122-centimetre target for a total of three rounds. Distance from the target was determined by age, with those aged 10 to 12 starting at 35 metres, 13 to 14 at 45 metres and 15 and over starting at 55 metres. In each round participants would move 10 metres closer to the target.
"The real keen archers will enterother BCAA official and fun events through the summer in order to keep up their skills. Those that continue to develop will be identified as potential B.C. Winter Games, Canada Games and National Team candidates. The 麻豆社国产Rod and Gun Club archery group has sent severalathletes to provincial and national tournaments in the past."
Matthew Nelson from Port Coquitlam compiled a total of 803 points and won the 10-to-12 division. Derek Nelson, also from Port Coquitlam, posted the top score for the 13-to-14 age group, with 775 points.
The 15-and-over group produced some strong local scores, with Jonathon Russell racking up 744 points. Other notable local scores included Connor Wike with 610, Chelsey Wolf with 499 and Kevin Thomson with 271. Maple Ridge's Brenna Price had the best score overall in the division, with 757 points.
Scores will be compiled and compared at the two other JOP events, which took place in Prince George and Cowichan, before the summer season starts.
For more information on the BCAA, visit ww.archeryassociation.bc.ca.
