Cheering and team noise are permitted during archery competitions at the Quebec Games, a rule supported by the federation’s technical director as a way to develop young athletes.
The policy allows for an atmosphere distinct from the silence required in sports like golf.
The noise policy has been in place for several years and was championed by Gabriela Cosovan, the technical director of the Archery Federation and a former international athlete from Romania. Cosovan won her last Canadian title in 2000 at the same site now hosting the current Games in Boucherville.
Official Stance on Competition Noise
The official stance of the Archery Federation is clear: competition noise is not a disruption but an accepted part of the sport. Cosovan explained the reasoning behind the policy, drawing on her own experience as a competitor.
“I remember one of my international competitions where Mexicans were ringing bells nonstop,” Cosovan stated. “Archery is a sport of concentration. If you concentrate on yourself and your performance, you are supposed to forget what’s happening behind you. The sooner young athletes are exposed to noise, the faster they learn.”
This approach contrasts with the strict silence demanded in other precision sports. Cosovan noted that some coaches question why archery doesn’t follow the golf model of enforced quiet.
“Some trainers sometimes ask me why we don’t do like in golf and demand silence, but that is not a service to our athletes,” she said. The policy allows for rallying cries such as “Go go go Montréal!” and other forms of team encouragement to have a place during competition.
Rising Participation Driven by Pop Culture
A significant development at this year’s Quebec Games is the sharp increase in female participation in archery, a trend Cosovan directly attributes to the influence of the Hunger Games film series.
“The Hunger Games series, where a girl is the hero, has brought us a new clientele and that’s all for the better,” Cosovan remarked. “I have already known Quebec Games where we only had three girls in the older age group; this time, we have nearly 30.” This surge in participation demonstrates a powerful link between popular culture and grassroots sports engagement, bringing new life to the discipline.
Audrey Henri and Alexandra Paquette Lead Preliminary Archery Rounds
The preliminary rounds for the concentric target and 3D animal course archery events have concluded, setting the stage for the finals. Several athletes have distinguished themselves as favorites to win.
Audrey Henri of Lanaudière delivered a spectacular performance in the preliminary rounds of the concentric targets. She scored 345 out of a possible 360 points. Another top contender is Alexandra Paquette of Outaouais, who matched Henri’s impressive score. Jade Gauthier of the Capitale-Nationale is also an athlete to watch in the finals.
Henri is also noted for achieving a “Robin Hood” during the competition. Cosovan explained the feat: “It’s when an athlete shoots an arrow into the middle of the concentric target and then shoots another one on top of it, breaking the first.” This shot is the archery equivalent of a hole-in-one in golf and demonstrates the athlete's skill and precision.
What’s Next: Finals Schedule
The finals for both the concentric targets and the 3D animal course archery events are scheduled to take place on Monday. These finals will determine the medalists and champions of the archery competition at the Quebec Games, capping off a week of high-level competition and notable achievements.
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