Namibian archers fare well against SADC counterparts

    - 2022-07-08 10:30:00
Thirty-two archers and a number of their parents (some representing Namibia in the adult group) converged at the SKW in the capital last weekend to build an indoor range for their Bulls’ Eye shoot, and a 3D Animal range on the field outside for the Africa Genesis Archery Federation shoot.
And then the team building started - shooting at watermelons, following an instruction in the opposite way, and making patterns with string against time!
Team captains for the three teams – the National team, the Development team and the AAG team – were elected at the same time.
On Saturday morning the teams were ready for the welcoming and the flag ceremony – via Zoom – bringing together archers from Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa (this year’s host).
Just after 08:00, shooting started and all teams shot a little more than usual - two 3D Animal rounds and three Bulls’ Eye rounds. After some initial struggles with connectivity, shooting progressed well and by that evening the Namibian teams knew that they were in the knockout round for third place the next day.
Indoor shooting might be wind-free, but light plays an important role. The animals were rearranged for this tournament. The practice rounds were full of horrified faces as the hyena on 15m proved to be harder to hit than expected.
On Sunday morning, everyone was excited and ready to shoot. The Knockouts were a little time-consuming as every country shot on the South African command. Getting archers from four countries ready at the same time was a challenge. However, the archers can be commended for their punctuality and willingness to assist.
While the Development team won gold, the AAG and National teams had to settle for bronze.
The Africa Genesis Archery Federation thanks the Afro Pumps team that brought all the necessary equipment to the SKW, as well as the SKW for making their premises available. Special thanks go to parents who drove from all over the country for their children to participate, and the Pupkewitz Foundation that sponsored pizza for every archer on Friday evening and at lunch again on Saturday. The federation also thanks everyone that helped before and during the tournament.