Nearly 300 competitors took aim at the 3D Archery Nationals over the B.C. Day long weekend at Silver Star Mountain Resort.
Staged in the forest, and on the trails around the resort, the three-day event was a joint effort by the Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby and Salmon Arm Fish and Game Clubs. Competitors had to hike through the forest on designated trails to test their accuracy against three-dimensional (3D) foam targets of wildlife.
Similar to golf, a foursome of competitors head out together for about four hours and work their way around a course.
“When we were approached by the organizing committee, our first concern was for the safety of our regular clientele and the residents in the community,” said Robin Baycroft, resort services manager for Silver Star.
“Once we met with the organizers and had a better understanding of the sport, and the precautions that would be in place, we knew we could make it work and were interested in the opportunity to have a busy weekend for our accommodation and restaurants during the summer.”
Leon Meier, head organizer, said the profits from the event will be donated to Vernon Hospice House. Six-year-old Daniel Meier, an archery newcomer, opened the event by firing a ceremonial arrow released toward a target.
The tourney featured three different courses, covering every terrain from dense forest to open ski runs to alpine. Many competitors were amazed by the spectacular scenery.
“I have competed in 3D Archery for 11 years, many times been to nationals, even represented Canada at the world championships, and nothing has compared to the quality of the courses, the amenities and the hospitality we have received here at Silver Star,” said Samantha Wright of Quesnel.
Over three days of competition, the combined scoring leaders were:
Women’s Open
1st – Shelby Reimer (Enderby) 752 points
2nd – Tracy Klettl 719
3rd – Cynthia Williams 703
Women’s Release
1 – Teri Ellis (Vernon) 676
2 – Shelly Smith 674
3 – Lynne Brown 628
Women’s Cadet (ages 15-17)
1 – Chloe Buck 700
2 – Janeen Howie 697
3 – Téa Reimer (Enderby) 679
Women’s Cub (13-14)
1 – Karleigh Meier (Coldstream) 637
2 – Gillian Lakey 623
3 – Tawnie Kotyk 615
Men’s Open
1 – Benjamin Shaule (Salmon Arm) 801, winner via tiebreaker
2 – Sean O’Neill 801
3 – George Vayro 800
Men’s Release
1 – Len Verbaas 765
2 – Bernie Van Gylswyk 763
3 – Jack Shane 762
Men’s Cadet (15-17)
1 – Logan Meier (Lavington) 774
2 – Dalton Clouthier 759
3 – Tyson Mackrell 757
Men’s Masters
1 – Al Campsall (Quesnel) 797
2 – Dan David 769
3 – Dean Thornton 760
