Les Archers du Dadou, a prominent archery club based in Graulhet, France, have officially opened their new season with preparations for community outreach, following a competitive spring and summer calendar that featured national championship appearances and regional tournament hosting.
Community Outreach in Graulhet
The club announced plans to participate in the upcoming local association forum, inviting community members to meet club members, gather information, and explore the sport. This annual engagement anchors the club’s presence in Graulhet as they welcome both new participants and returning competitors for the active season.
Honoring Memory and Leadership
The start of the new training cycle follows a poignant summer for the organization. In August, the club shared news of the death of Guilaine Prad, who served as club president, friend, and a top-tier competitor.
In a public tribute, club representatives thanked her for her dedication to the organization, noting that her investment in the club and her competitive spirit would remain in the memories of members. Earlier in the year, the club faced the loss of another key figure, Thierry Manchon, whose passing was mourned by fellow archers in March.
National Championship Campaign in Agnac
On the competitive front, the club navigated a demanding schedule through the spring and summer months. From May 22 to May 24, 2026, members traveled to Agnac in the Lot-et-Garonne department to compete in the French Nature Archery Championships.
The event opened on Friday with team competition, where Les Archers du Dadou fielded both women’s and men’s squads.
Squad Results and Heatwave Conditions
The women’s team—featuring Lili-Rose in compound bow, Maeva in barebow, Estelle in longbow, and Stéphanie serving as captain—placed 11th out of 21 teams in their first-ever collective appearance at the tournament. The men’s squad, comprising Nicolas in compound bow, Christophe in barebow, Pascal in longbow, and Stéphane as captain, finished 15th out of 42 teams.
Individual rounds took place over the Pentecost weekend under intense heat. Despite challenging weather conditions, club athletes earned multiple top-tier finishes. Stéphanie placed 19th, Estelle finished 10th, Maeva took 7th, Christophe placed 8th, Eric finished 12th, and Pascal placed 31st in their respective divisions. The club also secured three podium medals at the national tournament, with Lili-Rose and Benoit both claiming silver, and Régis earning bronze.
Local Tournaments and Partners
Locally, the club organized its traditional nature archery tournament on March 22, followed by a 3D archery competition on July 11 and 12 held at Peyrole. The July event coincided with an intense heatwave that tested competitors’ endurance, though participants maintained their competitive drive throughout the weekend.
Saturday’s events also served as the departmental championship, resulting in numerous awards for club members. The organization extended formal thanks to participating competitors, referees, local volunteers, and municipal officials from Graulhet and Peyrole, alongside regional partners and sponsors including Crédit Agricole, for supporting the events. With community outreach events underway, Les Archers du Dadou continue their regular training schedules and local club activities in Graulhet for the new season.
Worth a look
