Most types of sport in South Africa – and there are more than 100 of them – are small and don’t get much mass media exposure. So they have to revert to guerilla tactics (known in the industry as ‘below-the-line’) to create awareness and get more people to participate and play. I thought Archery – one of the small sports I’m talking about – did a nice marketing job when they declared Saturday 4 December National Archery Day.

Archery used that day to co-ordinate activities country-wide that people who’ve never shot a bow and arrow can try it out, and perhaps end up taking up the sport as a hobby.

Archery

According to the SANAA Secretary, Mrs Barbara Manning, “Since our successes in the Commonwealth Games, there has been a renewed interest in the sport. The National Archery Day is an initiative designed to give those who have never shot a bow and arrow before an opportunity to do so. In so doing it aims to identify new talent and devel0p the sport further”.

“Clubs throughout the country will be participating in the day, where the general public are invited to try the sport under the guidance of experienced archers”, she added.

In KZN-Natal, members of the public would be able to interact with international medallists at Kings Park, while in the Western Cape, Olympic archers will be on hand to share their experiences at the Protea Archery Club in Retreat.

The Free State will be hosting the event at both the Old Greys Archery Club as well as at the Tempe Military Base Archery Club.

A highlight of the event will be the two-time Commonwealth Bronze Medallist and Archery World Cup champion, Seppie Cilliers demonstrating the sport at the Wonderboom Junxion Mall in Pretoria. Seppie currently holds the world record for shooting arrows at 30m.

Gauteng will be giving the public an opportunity at the Marks Park Club, where thousands of budding archers will have the opportunity of experiencing the fun side of archery, learn the skill involved, speak to coaches and learn about the development program called Feathers and Arrows.

The Eastern Cape will be highlighting outdoor archery with special emphasis on Para-archery.

As part of National Archery Day, a number of endurance competitions will be held, with the aim of breaking and setting new records.

Sounds like fun! Also have a look at Archery pics in our photo gallery.

Rating 3.00 out of 5