Celebrating a year of archery triumphs
WITH the conclusion of the 2023 archery season, Africa Genesis
Archery – Northern Cape (AGA-NC) took time to reflect on a year of progress and triumph in the Province’s archery landscape. The club’s burgeoning community has witnessed a surge in interest and success, as local archers left their mark at the AGA-SA National Tournament.
The national competition saw archers from the Northern Cape demonstrate remarkable skill and determination, considering their relative lack of experience on the national stage.
Of the 32 archers representing Northern Cape teams this year, a total of 13 medals were brought home, a remarkable feat that showcases the dedication and talent of these athletes.
Lilly Heuwel (Gr.5) stood out, securing the gold in the Gr.5 Female Bull's Eye Category, while Òtniël van Wyk (Gr.6) impressed with a triplemedal performance, earning gold in the Gr.6 Primary Boys 3D Category, an overall victory in the combined 3D and Bull's Eye category, and a silver medal in the Primary Boys 3D Category.
Hennie Victor (Gr. 4) also made a significant impact, winning gold in the Gr. 5 Primary Boys 3D and Combined Bull's Eye and 3D categories, as well as a bronze in the Overall Primary Boys 3D category.
Dylan O'connell (Gr. 3) secured a bronze medal in the Gr. 4 Boys Bull's Eye competition.
In the Adult Category, Annemarie de Greeff shone, taking home Gold Overall in the AAG Female Combined 3D and Bull’s Eye, Silver in the Adult Female 3D Categories, and a Bronze Overall in the Adult Female 3D category.
Comparing this year's performance to the previous season, the Northern Cape archers displayed remarkable progress, winning 11 more medals in only their second year of competing at the national level. The dedication and hard work of these athletes, along with the support of AGA-NC, have been instrumental in this rapid development.
Furthermore, an impressive 25 archers among the 32 representing the NC teams achieved Provincial Colours in Archery, maintaining an outstanding average score of 260/300 across five competitions, including the annual Provincial competition. Schalk van der Merwe, Chairperson of Adventure Archery Club, achieved a provincial record score of 290/300 this year, setting a new standard for excellence in the sport.
AGA-NC'S growth has been exponential in the past two years, with increases in membership, archer and club development, and leadership participation in youth development. This success can be attributed to the commitment and passion of the archery community in the Northern Cape, including both archers and leaders.
The 2023 season will conclude with the AGA-SA annual year-end function and provincial prize-giving event on October 28, where archers will receive final accolades for their outstanding achievements throughout the year.
Dawid de Greeff, AGA-NC Provincial Coordinator, expressed his enthusiasm for the future. “We’re eagerly looking forward to hosting the AGA-SA National Tournament in October next year and expect to expand the sport further in more Northern Cape regions. Our goal is to raise and develop more school and private clubs while nurturing our youth and leadership.”
Those involved at AGA-NC told the DFA that they would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to its sponsors for their unwavering support throughout the year. These sponsors include NTT Volkswagen Kimberley, NTT Suzuki Kimberley, EKAPA Mining, and the DFA.
On the basis of its growth thus far, AGA-NC is looking forward to an even more exciting and successful 2024 season, building on the achievements of this year and continuing to grow the sport of archery in the Northern Cape.
If you are interested in getting involved in archery or supporting this vibrant community, please contact Dawid de Greeff at 073 030 2909 or via email at nc@agarchery.co.za.