LET THE ARROWS FLY!
If you happen to venture in the Jean-Marc Lalonde arena on Thursdays, you might be surprised to see several individuals shooting arrows.
If you happen to venture in the JeanMarc Lalonde arena on Thursdays, between 6:30 and 8:30 pm, you might be surprised to see several individuals shooting arrows at targets and life like animal replicas.
They are all members of the Rockland Field Archers. “We used to practice at a local school, but they installed cushion floor in their gymnasium, therefore we had to come here instead,” said President Martin Lacasse. “We like it here though. There’s a lot of space for our members to shoot.”
The Rockland Field Archers use the arena in wintertime and an outdoor field in the summer months.
The club, which has over 100 members, was founded in the early 1980’s. It’s members hail from all sides of Clarence-Rockland and consist of archers from several different walks of life, as well as whole families. “Our youngest member is under ten years old,” stressed Lacasse. “Our oldest is 84 and still shooting!”
The President explained that the club is opened to anyone who is interested in the sport. “We will show them the basics in a very safe environment,” he said. “We do want to stress that children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.”
Lacasse points to the fact that the sport is one of the cheapest to participate in. “A beginner’s bow is about $200 to $300,” he said. “We supply the targets.”
In addition, the organization possesses over 50 “3D” animal replicas. Its members also take part in several yearly competitions.
Lacasse explained that anyone interested in joining the club should give him a phone call first at 613-808-8961.