The Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) in partnership with the World Archery Americas (WAA), on Monday broke new ground when they officially launched their Archery Guyana project at the Carifesta Sports Complex, Ground.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Alfred King delivered the feature address and shot the first arrow which signified the launching of the Archery Guyana movement.
The 10-day clinic, facilitated by Colombia’s Diego Torres, an Olympic archer in his own right, taught the safe uses of the PVC-constructed bows which are used by the GSSF as well as the rules, regulations and the overall concept of archery.
King during his address pointed out that the arrow and bow have been a part of the country’s culture for a long time and as such it should be a more generalized sport.
He said that apart from boxing which has given Guyana a taste of Olympic glory in the past, he tipped archery once fully practised and established, to take Guyana to another Olympic meet.
He added that despite archery now being a part of the country’s sporting culture, it is essential for the GSSF along with the ministry to ensure a way forward to a possible Olympics is mapped out with precision.
Guyana officially became a member of the WAA on July 31st 2015 and GSSF President Vidushi Persaud added that it was a critical move for the fraternity after some of their progress was documented internationally by the World Body, adding that the move will significantly boost sports tourism in Guyana and Archery Guyana with the help of its supporters will rise to the pinnacle.
Torres capped off the launching with a top demonstration of target hitting as he lined up, focused and let loose a few arrows which struck the intended areas of the target.
