On Wednesday February 11, the Pechbonnieu gymnasium hosted the UNSS archery academy championships, a major regional event bringing together establishments from the entire academy. More than 90 archers, middle and high school students, gathered for this competition held indoors, at 15 meters.
After two warm-up ends, the archers performed series of five arrows, with three regulatory minutes per end, under the watchful eye of young officials and referees. Rigor in counting, respect for impacts and collective validation of score sheets: precision did not only concern shooting, but also organization.
In the mixed college establishment category, eleven teams were entered. Team 1 from Jean-Dieuzaide college in Pechbonnieu, solid throughout the qualifications (781 points), reached the final.
She finally lost in the jump-off against the Jean-Jaurès college of Saint-Affrique, crowned academic champion with 828 points. This silver medal rewards a united and constant collective.
For its part, team 2 from Pechbonnieu snatched the bronze medal after a controlled shoot-off against the Immaculée Conception college in Espalion. A hailed overall performance in a hotly contested field, where collective commitment made the difference.
In total, nine middle schools and three high schools were represented, confirming the vitality of school archery, particularly dynamic in certain areas where this outdoor discipline occupies an important place. Among high school students, LPO Jean Jaurès de Saint-Affrique wins (992 points), ahead of LPO Urbain-Vitry.
Beyond the results, the day highlighted the UNSS spirit: mutual aid between establishments, diversity of levels and promotion of young officials validated at the academic level.
At Pechbonnieu, the target was perhaps 15 meters away. For many, the sporting horizon already looks much more distant.
