People with disabilities from across Armagh, Dungannon, Craigavon, Banbridge, Newry and Mourne recently participated in a Southern Area Archery Competition, co-ordinated by the Southern Trust’s Fit 4 U Project.
The Fit 4 U Project aims to empower people with physical/sensory disabilities to improve their health through participation in a range of physical activity and leisure opportunities.
The event took place at Banbridge Leisure Centre on 5th December and was attended by over 40 participants, carers and volunteers.
Following several rounds of competition, the results were:
Group 1: 1st place Eric Flowers, 2nd place Beverley McCarter, 3rd place Colin Gee
Group 2: 1st place Jim Clarke, 2nd place Robert Murray, 3rd place David Menary
Group 3: 1st place Frank McGirr, 2nd place Margaret Kelly, 3rd place Niall O’Neill
Highest Individual Score Female: Beverley McCarter
Highest Individual Score Male: Eric Flowers
The event was also attended by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council, councillor Sam Nicholson, who presented the awards at the end of the competition and congratulated participants on their performance.
Rhonda Richardson, Fit 4 U Co-ordinator, said: “Archery is a sport that promotes a range of health benefits.
“Physically, benefiting participants’ co-ordination and muscle strength, mentally it requires concentration and provides an opportunity for achievement and socially, provides an opportunity to have fun with others.”
Prize winner, Colin Gee, added: “It was a great surprise to find out that I had won 3rd prize, but it shows how the efforts of the instructors benefitted me and many others to achieve the success we all did. Thank you to everyone who made the competition possible. I really enjoyed it.”
ABC Council Archery Coach, Sean McConville said: “Congratulations to all the participants of the annual Christmas Archery Competition; a fantastic day was had by all. It is brilliant to see a great group of people of all abilities enjoying the archery and being sociable at the same time.”
If you would like to find out more about the Fit 4 U Project and other activities available, please contact Rhonda Richardson, Fit 4 U Co-ordinator by Tel: 028 3756 4490 or email rhonda.richardson@southerntrust.hscni.net
