On the Païta site, seven clubs from New Caledonia met this weekend for an extraordinary challenge: doing archery for 24 hours. A challenge that brought together young and old.
The challenge began at 10 a.m., Saturday October 11, and ended on Sunday 12, same time. It was taken up by eleven teams of four archers, from the seven Caledonian clubs. 24 hours later, participants had sent 720 arrows, at a rate of thirty per hour.
The target on the Païta field went well beyond simple points collected : to shoot, but also have fun. No major issues at stake in these 24 hours, except the need to unite around a discipline which is weakening. Last year, archery lost 150 members.
Throughout the event, challenges were issued. Example ? Shoot your arrows while sitting on a chair, to learn about handi-archery. Always in a good-natured spirit. The seven teams, from the “Pink Panthers” to the “Point Plunderers”, were also dressed up.
Archers aged eight to 70, who adopted a relay strategy. “We have two kids on the team, so we’ll see.”explains Thibaud Graillon, from the Dumbéa club. “I think the adults will rather sleep through the night.” A night that was cool, with the reward of a brightly colored sunrise.
The report by Alix Madec and David Sigal
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