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Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a French archipelago off the coast of Newfoundland, is seeing a growing interest in archery, highlighted by a recent inter-island competition that brought together enthusiasts from both islands. The event, held at the Maison des Loisirs in Miquelon, served as a platform for sharing skills, fostering camaraderie, and promoting the sport to a younger generation. This burgeoning archery scene demonstrates the power of sport to connect communities, even those geographically separated.
The competition saw approximately twenty archers participate, showcasing a range of archery styles – from barebow and traditional techniques to the use of compound bows. Young Max, who was introduced to the sport by his grandfather, articulated the appeal of archery, stating, “I really like archery due to the fact that it’s precise, it allows you to develop your patience. And to shoot well, you mustn’t move.” This sentiment underscores the discipline and focus required in the sport, qualities that resonate with participants of all ages.
A “Chouette” Atmosphere
The atmosphere at the Maison des Loisirs was described as positive and welcoming. Mathilde Tremel, a member of the La Flèche Boréale archery club, shared her experience: “It’s nice to be able to spend a day together, meet other participants, and also see people who practice on different days because there are several time slots on Saint-Pierre, so we don’t always cross paths. The atmosphere is great, and it’s not uncomplicated to shoot for so long, because generally in training, we shoot for about an hour, and here it lasts a little longer.” This highlights the unique opportunity the inter-island event provided for extended practice and social interaction.
The event also served as a valuable opportunity to introduce archery to latest participants. Christine Nourry, an animator at the Maison des Loisirs de Miquelon, explained the goal of engaging youth: “To introduce the bow to young people, because we practice it from time to time at the Maison des Loisirs. But it’s the first time in competition. So there are things to do, things to learn. And then there are six participants, three from Saint-Pierre and three from Miquelon, and I hope it will generate enthusiasm and that other young people will want to register.”
Building Bridges Between Islands
The La Flèche Boréale association expressed satisfaction with the initial contact with the archers from Miquelon. Alexandre Geoffroy, president of the association, outlined plans for future collaboration: “Regarding the exchanges between Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, what we can say is that we’ve played the ‘first leg’ in Miquelon, so in the spring or summer we will play the ‘return leg’ in Saint-Pierre, whereas not necessarily in the same format. We could, for example, offer a 3D course or use our targets which are outdoors and at different distances.” This reciprocal arrangement promises to strengthen the bonds between the two communities through a shared passion for archery.
The ambition doesn’t stop at inter-island competition. Archers in Saint Pierre and Miquelon are also looking to expand their connections further afield, with hopes of establishing exchanges with archers in Canada and mainland France. This broader vision reflects a desire to integrate into the wider archery community and learn from different approaches to the sport.
A recent report by Franceinfo details the formation of a new association dedicated to the practice of archery in Saint-Pierre, signaling a formalization of the sport’s growth within the archipelago. Une nouvelle association consacrée à la pratique du tir à l’arc à Saint-Pierre
Developing Archery Skills Across the Archipelago
This increased activity in archery aligns with broader efforts to develop sports infrastructure and training opportunities in Saint Pierre and Miquelon. According to the Fédération Française de tir à l’arc (FFTA), a recent training session focused on developing coaching skills, equipment maintenance, and creating welcoming environments for archers of all levels. The FFTA program aimed to optimize the development of archery across the islands, ensuring a sustainable future for the sport. This training included modules on working with young archers, a key component of the current push to grow participation.
The success of the inter-island competition and the ongoing development initiatives demonstrate a clear commitment to fostering archery in Saint Pierre and Miquelon. The sport offers a unique blend of physical skill, mental discipline, and community engagement, making it an ideal activity for residents of all ages and backgrounds. The emphasis on patience, precision, and focus, as highlighted by young Max, speaks to the broader benefits of archery beyond the competitive arena.
Looking ahead, the return match in Saint-Pierre promises to be another exciting event for the archery community. The potential for incorporating a 3D archery course adds a new dimension to the competition, offering archers a different set of challenges and showcasing the versatility of the sport. The continued collaboration between La Flèche Boréale and the Maison des Loisirs de Miquelon will be crucial in sustaining the momentum and attracting new participants.
The next confirmed event is the return competition scheduled for the spring or summer in Saint-Pierre. Maintain an eye on La Flèche Boréale’s Facebook page (La Flèche Boréale) for updates on dates and format.
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