Archery Competition Hits bullseye with Record Turnout

The Quend archery club, “The Spark,” recently hosted its annual nature competition, drawing an impressive 120 participants, a significant leap from last year’s 87 shooters. This surge in attendance highlights the growing appeal of the sport, with enthusiasts traveling considerable distances, including some from as far as Lot and Charentes, to test their skills.

This year’s event marked a strategic shift in scheduling. Unlike the 2024 competition held in september, the steering committee opted to return the nature competition to its traditional November slot. This decision, made during the club’s last general meeting, aimed to align with established archery calendars and potentially attract a different segment of competitors.

Targeting Success: Animal Targets and Championship Aspirations

On Sunday, November 2nd, archers converged for this highly anticipated annual gathering, wich also served as a qualifying event for the 2026 French Championship.The competition featured two distinct course departures, allowing participants to engage with the challenge twice. the objective was to accurately target 21 lifelike animal replicas strategically placed across the scenic grounds of “little California.” These grounds were generously provided by the Conservatoire du Littoral and the Syndicat Mixte Baie de Somme-grand littoral Picard, underscoring a strong community partnership.

While the competition kicked off with a brief, intense downpour, the weather soon improved, offering milder conditions for the archers. A notable, though not disruptive, strong wind added an extra layer of challenge, particularly as competitors navigated the wooded sections of the course.

The day concluded with the traditional awards ceremony, held in the Roger Noyon room, located beneath the Quend plage cinema. This venue has become a familiar and fitting backdrop for celebrating the achievements of the archers.

Looking ahead, Jean Courtoy, the club’s secretary and a national referee, announced that archers can anticipate another 3D shooting competition in March 2026.This forward-looking announcement ensures continued engagement and excitement within the archery community.

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