CONCARNEAU, France – A dozen young archers from the Petit Château archery club in Concarneau participated in the traditional ‘Passage de Flèches’ – a skills assessment involving shooting at targets at 10 and 15 meters – on Saturday, March 14th. The event, a staple of the club’s annual calendar, tests archers’ abilities with both white (10m) and black (15m) arrows, with color indicating skill level and target distance, according to club instructor Thierry Le Corre.
The Petit Château club, a fixture in the Concarneau sporting community, currently has 74 members. While membership is slightly down compared to last year – a dip Le Corre attributes to the recent Olympic Games cycle – the club remains vibrant and focused on developing the next generation of archery talent.
Family Ties and Friendly Competition
Among those participating was 12-year-ancient Leïa Bevelacqua, who has been practicing archery for five years alongside her father, Nans. The pair, originally from Montpellier, share a passion for the sport and a healthy dose of friendly competition. “We challenge each other gently to improve. There’s definitely a competitive element,” Nans Bevelacqua admitted. Leïa, however, has a clear goal: “I just want to surpass my dad one day.”
The ‘Passage de Flèches’ isn’t just about individual skill; it’s a community event. The club actively fosters a welcoming environment, extending its reach to include young people from the Institut médico-éducatif des Primevères, a local educational and medical institute. “They are pleasant people who come mostly to have fun,” Le Corre explained, emphasizing the club’s commitment to inclusivity.
Looking Ahead: Reinvigorating Competition
Thierry Le Corre is set to resume his role as club president following a six-year stint in local government. He envisions a renewed focus on competitive archery. “I will be able to reactivate the spirit of competition that has decreased somewhat recently,” he stated. “I would like 30% of the club members to be competitors.”
Currently, the club’s most dedicated archers are those involved in “tir à l’arc nature” – a form of archery that emphasizes a more natural, instinctive shooting style. Le Corre noted these archers are “totally hooked” on the discipline. This growing interest in nature archery suggests a potential avenue for attracting and retaining members.
For those interested in learning more about the Archers du Petit Château, or to inquire about joining, Georges Guillou can be contacted at 06 33 19 26 20.
The club’s dedication to youth development, combined with its inclusive approach and renewed focus on competition, positions it well for continued success in the Concarneau area. Archery, a sport demanding precision, focus, and mental fortitude, continues to thrive thanks to the efforts of clubs like the Petit Château.
What’s Next: Thierry Le Corre will officially resume his presidency at the club’s next general assembly, scheduled for later this year. The club is also planning a series of introductory workshops for new members in the spring.
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