In the quiet town of Narón in northwestern Spain, the sound of arrows slicing through the air has become a daily soundtrack for a quarter of a century. At the Pabellón da Mocidade, the Escuela Deportiva Municipal de Narón de Tiro con Arco celebrates its 25th anniversary with archers ranging from 7 to over 70 years old, embodying what coaches describe as both a physical and mental discipline.
Founded with support from the Concello de Narón and its Servicio de Deportes, the club has grown to include 60 licensed members who participate in daily classes. According to La Voz de Galicia, which recently featured the school in a photo reportage, the intergenerational nature of the program is one of its defining characteristics, with grandparents training alongside grandchildren and entire families participating together.
Magdalena Abella serves as president of the club, a role she has held while overseeing programs that have attracted notable participants like Iria Grandal, who represented Spain in archery at the 2012 London Olympics. The school’s longevity is attributed to consistent municipal support and a teaching approach that emphasizes accessibility regardless of age or prior experience.
Anxo, son of the founders Anxo and Pitusa, now works as a trainer at the facility alongside his parents. Other regular attendees profiled in recent coverage include Pepe, who began training past age 60; Ángeles Rodríguez, who started at 61; Ismael Lage, 47, who joined through his daughter’s interest; and José Manuel Fernández, who transitioned from ballroom dancing to archery four years ago.
The training methodology adapts to different skill levels, with advanced archers practicing near walls to maximize shooting lanes while beginners use closer targets. Instructors emphasize that there is no minimum age to start, and equipment is scaled to accommodate younger participants while maintaining safety standards.
Beyond technical skill development, coaches highlight the mental focus required in archery as a key benefit, particularly for older adults seeking cognitive engagement alongside physical activity. The sport’s repetitive nature and demand for concentration have made it appealing across demographic groups in Narón.
As the club marks its 25th year, officials confirm continued collaboration with local authorities to maintain access to the Pabellón da Mocidade for winter classes and outdoor facilities during warmer months. The anniversary coincides with broader recognition of traditional sports in Galicia, where archery clubs have seen renewed interest as part of cultural preservation efforts.
For those interested in joining or learning more about the Escuela Deportiva Municipal de Narón de Tiro con Arco, training schedules and membership information are available through the Concello de Narón’s Servicio de Deportes. The program remains open to new participants of all ages, continuing its mission of making archery accessible to the community.
