Archery Club Celebrates a Accomplished Season, Eyes Future Championships
In the heart of Xonrupt-Longemer, the Arc shooting club recently held its annual general assembly, marking a critically important moment to reflect on a dynamic sports season and chart a course for exciting future endeavors. The gathering, attended by local officials and dedicated club members, underscored the enduring appeal of archery and the club’s commitment to fostering its growth.
A standout event that captured the community’s attention was the club’s open day, held in festivity of its 40th anniversary. This initiative proved to be a resounding success, drawing in new participants and introducing them to the precision and discipline of archery.The event welcomed three fresh faces, including two promising young archers from Xonrupt aged 10 and 13, alongside a participant from nearby Gérômoise. While the club president, Jean-Yves Thomas, acknowledged that archery remains a niche sport, he expressed optimism about attracting genuine enthusiasts who appreciate the sport’s unique challenges.
the club boasts a core of dedicated individuals who are instrumental to its operations and competitive spirit. Adeline Blaison, who has served as treasurer since 1992, also holds the esteemed position of president of the departmental archery association in the Vosges. Her personal achievements in competition are noteworthy, including victories in Varangéville and Gorcy, and a gold medal at the Grand Est Championship in nature archery. Complementing her contributions is Daniel Diard, a steadfast member for 38 years. Diard not only continues to represent the club in competitive events but also generously shares his expertise as an archery hunting instructor, a role that resonates with the practical application of the sport.
The 2024-2025 season proved to be a banner year for the club, with archers securing an remarkable five Vosges titles.These victories were distributed across two disciplines: three titles in plain shooting, a classic archery format, and two in 3D shooting.In 3D archery, competitors test their skills by aiming at life-size plastic targets, simulating hunting scenarios and demanding a different set of strategic and technical abilities. Training sessions are held every tuesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Until April 1st, these sessions take place indoors in the multipurpose room, after which they transition to the outdoor range located opposite Lac de Longemer, offering a scenic backdrop for practice.
Looking ahead, the club is buzzing with anticipation for its traditional King’s shot event, scheduled for May. This unique competition,where archers aim to strike a wooden bird positioned 50 meters away,with the victor crowned “king,” promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Beyond this popular event, the club harbors a significant ambition: to qualify for a future French championship. This goal reflects the dedication and competitive drive of its members, aiming to elevate their performance to the national level, much like American athletes strive for Olympic or professional league recognition.
The Xonrupt-Longemer arc shooting club actively encourages participation from individuals aged 10 and above, welcoming newcomers eager to explore the rewarding world of archery. For those interested in learning more or joining the club, President Jean-Yves Thomas can be reached at 06 72 99 25 75.
