Source: VINO
Elmore Stoutt High School was named team champion of the first National Archery in Schools Nationals, on Saturday April 15, 2017. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO
After a day of intense action and focus among almost 50 young boys and girls, both Rayne Duff and Shania Daigneault were crowned champions of the first National Archery in the School Programme (NASP) Nationals on Saturday April 15, 2017.
The pair from Cedar School and Elmore Stoutt High School respectively also took home a $3,000 scholarship and both had earlier claimed a new Bow as a prize for being top Middle School Boy and Top High School Girl.
Winning $350 as top school was the Elmore Stoutt High School team, the majority of whom train and practice at Y.E.P.
Top Elementary Female, winning a Bow, was Tyara Winter, while top boy in the same category was Sebbie Santos.
Top Middle School Female was Hailey Chomiak, whilst Top High School Boy was D’Moi Martin.
Ritseeniyah Georges, who is Vice President of the National Archery Association and the In Schools Archery Programme Coordinator, was impressed with the way the day had gone. “Everyone is improving a lot, they were out practicing all week for this and even though some were nervous they managed to stay focused and all did very well. The two overall winners are very talented and deserved to come out on top.”
Some of the archers showed a lot of natural talent, but in the end, it was those who dedicated themselves to practice that rose to be champions.
In terms of the overall development programme, everything is on track, according to Georges. “Currently we are on target, because all the schools that are in the programme took part today. The other schools are keen and just waiting for the Association to get the funding and equipment to expand further. We have annual sponsors such as the Department of Youth Affairs, Kobre and Kim, Caribbean Securities, Morrell, Rep BVI and Aaron Rentals.”
Next up for the young archers is a trip for the Junior National team to compete against five other countries, with the host country yet to be announced.
