The sports community in Cáceres and across Extremadura is in mourning following the death of Inés Pérez, an inspiring local archer who took up archery at age 70 and maintained an unwavering training schedule despite ongoing health challenges, according to reports from regional media.
Pérez’s passing has triggered an outpouring of grief and tribute across Spanish archery circles. Raquel de San Macario, president of the Extremadura Archery Federation (Federación Extremeña de Tiro con Arco), shared the news publicly via social media, remembering Pérez as a relentless, courageous, and vibrant figure, as detailed by El Periódico Extremadura.
A Late Start That Sparked a Passion
She first picked up a bow and learned the fundamentals of archery when she was 70 years old. What began as a curiosity quickly blossomed into a disciplined athletic routine.
According to her peers within the Extremadura Archery Federation, Pérez never let advancing age or mounting physical hurdles deter her from her craft. In her later years, mobility issues required her to use a walking aid. Yet those daily obstacles failed to keep her away from the shooting line. Teammates recall that she always arrived at training sessions equipped with her bow and a welcoming smile, routinely shooting from a seated position to bypass her mobility constraints.
Advocacy, Community Work, and ‘Flechas Rosas’
Pérez’s impact extended far beyond scoring rings and training schedules. She was deeply committed to community health initiatives, serving as a member of the board of directors for AOEX (Asociación Oncológica Extremeña), the regional oncological association.
Her dual passions for archery and health advocacy merged seamlessly through her participation in the “Arco y Salud” (Archery and Health) project, which met every Friday. She was also especially involved in “Flechas Rosas contra el cáncer de mama” (Pink Arrows Against Breast Cancer)—a collaborative initiative spearheaded by the Extremadura Archery Federation and AOEX to support breast cancer awareness and recovery through sport. Regional sports authorities noted that her spirit of solidarity left an indelible mark on every volunteer and athlete who crossed her path.
A Lasting Legacy on the Archery Range
Tributes from regional sports organizations emphasize that Pérez’s resilience transformed her into a role model. Colleagues within the Extremadura archery community noted following her death that her memory and fighting spirit will endure, stating that her legacy will live on every time a pink arrow is loosed in her honor.
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