Tony Hollingue Crowned King as Thia Claims the Title of “Roitelet”

Tony Hollingue has been officially crowned as the new “Roy” (King) following the traditional archery competitions in the Hauts-de-France region, while Thia has secured the title of “Roitelet” (Little King). The results, which follow a long-standing regional tradition of traditional archery, mark the latest chapter in the historic sporting heritage of the Saint-Sébastien companies in the Somme department.

Understanding the Tradition of the Roy and Roitelet

The titles of “Roy” and “Roitelet” are rooted in the centuries-old practice of archery in Northern France, often organized by local Saint-Sébastien guilds. According to regional historical records, the “Roy” is the archer who successfully strikes the “bird”—a small wooden target placed at the top of a high mast—during the annual shooting competition. The “Roitelet,” or “Little King,” title is traditionally awarded to the runner-up or the winner of a secondary category, often younger competitors or those participating in specific sub-categories of the event.

These ceremonies are more than just athletic contests; they are significant social events for local communities in the Picardy region. Participants adhere to strict ceremonial protocols, wearing traditional regalia that reflects the guild’s history. The transition of titles is a formal process, marking a year of prestige for the winners within their respective archery companies.

The Significance of the 2024 Archery Season

The crowning of Tony Hollingue as Roy represents a continuation of a lineage that dates back to the era of medieval brotherhoods. For the local archery community, the event serves as a vital link to the region’s cultural past. While modern archery often focuses on Olympic recurve or compound bows, these specific events maintain the use of traditional longbows, emphasizing the skill required to strike a target at significant height without the assistance of modern sights or stabilizers.

The promotion of Thia to the status of “Roitelet” highlights the importance of fostering the next generation of archers. By integrating younger or emerging competitors into these formal rankings, the guilds ensure the continuity of their traditions. Observers from the local sporting federations note that these events remain popular in the Somme, drawing spectators who value the preservation of local customs alongside competitive rigor.

How the Competition is Scored

The competition operates on a singular, high-stakes objective: the “tir à l’oiseau” (shooting the bird). Unlike standard target archery, where archers accumulate points over several rounds of shooting at a static paper target, this traditional format requires the archer to hit a specific physical object—the bird—which is mounted at the top of a tall pole.

• The Target: A wooden bird or “papegai” placed atop a mast.
• The Weapon: Traditional wooden bows, often without modern technical enhancements.
• The Victory: The archer who dislodges or hits the bird is declared the winner for the following year.

This format is notoriously difficult, as it requires both vertical precision and the ability to manage environmental variables like wind at the top of the mast. The title of Roy provides the winner with the honor of leading the company’s processions and representing the guild at regional events throughout the next twelve months.

Future Archery Events in the Region

Following the coronation, the focus for the local archery companies shifts to upcoming regional gatherings and the preparation for the next cycle of traditional shoots. The calendar for these organizations is typically set by the local archery committees, which coordinate the dates to ensure that members can participate in multiple guild events across the department. Fans and interested parties can follow the official communications from the Saint-Sébastien guilds in the Somme for updates on the next scheduled public demonstrations and competitions.

As the new Roy, Tony Hollingue will now assume his ceremonial duties, beginning with the upcoming local archery festivals scheduled for the late summer season. These events remain free to the public, offering a window into a tradition that has survived for over 500 years in the Hauts-de-France region.

Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport. With over 15 years of experience covering global sports, he has reported from major international venues ranging from the FIFA World Cup to the Olympic Games. He is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) and holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from Columbia University.