Thirty-four archers practice in Fleurance as the local club expands its roster and pushes teenage competitors toward regional tournaments.
Membership at Les Flèches fleurantines grew by five members compared to last season, driven by an influx of participants under the age of 18, La Dépêche du Midi reported. The organization spans competitors from 10 to 84 years old under the direction of coach Dominique Ternier and instructor Florence Rossignol.
Patrick Bonin said the club aims to steer capable teenagers toward official competition to build visibility with local government and the national federation.
“L’idée, c’est d’amener les jeunes qui fonctionnent bien vers la compétition, d’une part pour les aider à évoluer, d’autre part, cela donne une meilleure visibilité au club, ça nous fait connaître, aussi bien au niveau de la fédération que vis-à-vis de la municipalité,” Bonin told La Dépêche du Midi.
Roman Saragosa, 16, competes in his third year with the club after entering events hosted by Arc’magnac in Bourrouillan and the Archers de la Hire in Condom.
“Le tir à l’arc oblige à se poser, si on s’énerve après une mauvaise volée, on foire tout; si elle était bonne et que l’on est trop fier, c’est pareil, on ne contrôle plus la visée ni le geste,” Saragosa told La Dépêche du Midi.
Athletes shot 120 arrows during competition days in Bourrouillan across four series of ten three-arrow rounds split between 25-meter and 18-meter distances.
The association runs weekly sessions inside the halle Eloi-Castaing every Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. local time. Training will not take place on Thursday, Nov. 19.
Outdoor practices move to the local racetrack during warmer months, allowing members to practice at distances reaching 70 meters.
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