Quend, France – A total of 210 archers participated in a recent archery competition held in Quend, demonstrating the growing popularity of the sport in the region and beyond. The event, organized annually by the local archery club “L’Étincelle,” drew competitors from across France, Belgium, and even further afield, including participants from Charente, the Arcachon basin, Savoie, the Rhône Valley, and Belgium.
The competition, which counts towards the French championship, took place over the weekend of February 28th and March 1st, and was held at the Arbres & Aventures site. This location was generously provided by the coastal conservatory and the Baie de Somme Grand Littoral mixed syndicate, offering a scenic backdrop for the event. For those unfamiliar with the area, Quend is a commune in the Somme department in Hauts-de-France, northern France, known for its coastal landscapes.
A Challenging 3D Course
Archers navigated a demanding course featuring 24 three-dimensional animal targets, realistically sized and positioned at varying distances – between 5 and 45 meters – depending on the target’s size. This format tests not only accuracy but also the archers’ ability to judge distance and adapt to different shooting scenarios. Participants had the option to compete in multiple sessions – Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, or Sunday morning – with the first session determining the official ranking, whereas all three provided qualifying scores for the national competition.
The event highlights the increasing appeal of 3D archery, a discipline that simulates hunting scenarios and requires a high degree of skill and precision. It’s a format that’s gaining traction across Europe, attracting both seasoned competitors and newcomers to the sport. The ability to qualify for the national competition across multiple attempts likely encouraged broader participation, allowing archers to refine their technique over the weekend.
Local Support and Community Involvement
The awards ceremony took place in the Salle Roger Noyon, where Dominique Depta, the first deputy mayor of Quend, presented the municipal trophy to the club from Écouen (Val-d’Oise), whose team of 20 archers proved victorious. This demonstrates the strong local support for the event and the community’s engagement with archery. The involvement of local officials underscores the importance of sports tourism and community events in the region.
Competition Results
Here’s a rundown of some of the key results from the competition:
- U13 Women Barebow: 1st – Marie Bleuse
- U13 Men Barebow: 1st – Désiré Noah
- U15 Men Barebow: 1st – Mathéo Thuet-Devaux
- Senior Men Barebow: 2nd – Pierre Sébastien Bréard
- Senior Women Barebow Pulley: 1st – Carole Sterling
- Senior Men Straight Bow: 15th – Patrice Bréart, 22nd – Patrice Chopin
- Senior Men Free Bow: 13th – Martial Josseron
- Senior Men Hunting Bow: 9th – Olivier Bleuse, 16th – Marc Dégardin
These results showcase the diverse range of talent within the archery community, from young up-and-coming archers to experienced veterans. The competition provided a platform for archers of all ages and skill levels to test their abilities and compete against their peers.
Looking Ahead: The “Tir Nature” Competition
Archers looking to continue their competitive season can look forward to the next event, titled “Tir Nature,” scheduled for November. This upcoming competition promises another exciting opportunity for archers to showcase their skills and enjoy the camaraderie of the sport. The “Tir Nature” event will likely focus on natural terrain shooting, adding another layer of challenge and excitement for participants.
The continued success of these events, organized by “L’Étincelle,” is a testament to the dedication of the club and the growing enthusiasm for archery in the Quend region. The combination of a challenging course, a beautiful location, and strong community support ensures that these competitions will continue to attract archers from far and wide for years to reach.
What do you think about the growing popularity of 3D archery? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to follow Archysport for more coverage of archery events around the globe.
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