USA Archery recently conducted a Para Archery Training Camp, specifically geared toward potential Paralympians with military backgrounds. "It was a great camp," notes USA Archery Para Head Coach Randi Smith. "The athletes worked hard; we did lots of shooting and lots of learning. We hope to keep seeing all of these athletes."
Participants were Chuck Lear, Jerry Shields, Steve Bosson, Peter Johns, Sonny deGuzman, Brad Smith, Martha Chavez Barnett and Aubrey Youngs. Of those athletes, Bosson, deGuzman and Youngs also recently participated in the AAE Arizona Cup.
Upcoming events for Para Archers include the Para World Archery Championships Team Trials, slated for May 10-13 in Chula Vista, CA. The Para World Archery Championships will be held in Torino, Italy, following the World Archery Championships in July. Watch this website for updates on the Team Trials as well as the Para World Archery Championships.
The Warrior Games will be held May 16-21 in Colorado Springs, CO. Archery is one of the events included in the Games, and USA Archery will be supporting this event, with Smith serving as the event director, with assistance from some Para United States Archery Team (Para USAT) members. Russell Wolfe and Jeff Fabry have recently been coaching the United States Navy Team, and T.J. Pemberton has been working with the team for the U.S. Marines.
The Warrior Games seek to "elevate abilities through athletic competition for wounded, ill and injured service members by providing a focal event to empower the incorporation of athletics into military wounded warrior programs. The Warrior Games serve as an introduction to Paralympic sports for injured service members by inspiring recovery, physical fitness, and promoting new opportunities for growth and achievement."
For more information on Para Archery, click here to download an informative PDF slideshow by Para Archery Head Coach Randi Smith.
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