Geelong Archers aim to grow the sport

ARCHERY in Geelong continues to be a sport for all, according to the president of the region’s only archery club.

Geelong Archers president Nardo De Amicis said the club, based in Lovely Banks, continues to grow, with more than 100 members signed up to the group.

“We’re the only archery club in Geelong, excluding any hunting clubs, and it is available for anyone to join,” De Amicis said.

“Unless you boast experience at a previous club, all archers here begin their journeys by completing our introductory course, which consists of three Saturday sessions.

“Once we figure out archery might be attractive for someone, the community is very welcoming with lots of social events and we offer a space for serious or recreational archers to continue to grow in the sport.”

Geelong Archers recently broke new ground over the weekend, becoming a host venue for the Indoor State/National Championships for the first time, which De Amicis participated in.

The achievement was made possible as a result of the club’s move to the Australian Slovenian Association building and surrounding grounds at 100 Asher Road a year ago.

Among the locals competing was 17-year-old Archer Gray, who took part in the recurve category and has previously been selected to the Victorian Youth Recurve Team.

Gray was one of more than 600 archers nationwide to compete in last weekend’s championships, with his long-term aspiration to make national, World Cup and Olympic teams in the future.

“It’s not my first indoor championships, but it’s pretty cool we get to host them here in Geelong. I’ve been at the club for six years now and people here have always encouraged me to develop my skills to the best of my abilities,” Gray said.

“Being able to practice and come whenever I want in my own time really gives me the greatest opportunity to be the best archer I can be, it’s always been a very sociable club as well.

“There’s no one here I wouldn’t want to talk to.”

Geelong Archers has been operating out of Lovely Banks since it was first formalised in 1960.

To enquire about joining the club, head to geelongarchers.com.au