The Tribune

THIS past Sunday, archers of all ages from all over the Bahamas gathered at St Paul’s Field in Western New Providence to compete in the 2nd Annual Bahamas Archery Invitational.

Under the watchful eyes of over 100 spectators throughout the day, the archers took aim at the gold, along with some highly coveted cash and gift prizes in a series of events covering both youth and adult divisions in two separate genres of archery - traditional/barebow and Olympic target archery.

First up, the youth traditional/barebow competition saw some great shooting, despite only four contenders.

Taking the coveted first prize of $75 cash and an iPhone 8 package from sponsor Aliv, was Cameron Markham, followed in second place by longbow shooter Mekhi Cash, winning tickets to Blackbeard’s Escape, $50, and a gift certificate from Spritz restaurant. Third place went to Cody Cartwright who took home $25 cash and a dozen donuts from family favourite sponsor Dunkin’ Donuts’. New archer Gracyn Mosko took the runner-up position.

Next up, the adult traditional archers fought a close battle over 12 ends, with 11 entrants from Nassau and Grand Bahama aiming for the bullseye.

For the second year running, organiser and club founder Ben Jamieson took first place, but graciously declined the top prize of the Aliv iPhone, which instead went to the next top score from Grand Bahama resident Berni Almira, who also took home $100 in cash. Gina Jenkins took the second place prize of an amazing Exuma escape donated by Powerboat Adventures, along with $75. Long time media guru and longbow archer, Beverly Hilton, took the final slot, taking home a $250 certificate from RMS Insurance, and $50 cash.

After a short break for pizza and water, the range was ready for the Olympic target archery rounds.

“The youth division started the afternoon’s event under blistering sun, but shot amazingly and displayed some incredible talent. We may all be watching them in international events in the near future,” said a press release.

Taking first place of yet another iPhone from lead sponsor Aliv was a very happy Matthew Newry, followed by Isaac Poitier in 2nd and representing Bahamas Archery, Christopher Bain in third.

“The final event of the day was the adult Olympic target round, involving 60 arrows over 10 ends. The archers fought hard, and shot remarkably well, despite the gruelling heat and unforgiving sun.

“At the end of the round, the very well-deserved first place went to Rodolfo Pavon, followed by the youngest archer in the adult division, Sam Albury in 2nd. Third place went to Noah Hayling of Island Archery in Eastern Nassau.

Ben Jamieson, the organiser of the event and founder of Bahamas Archery, said of the day: “It’s been another incredible experience, seeing the growth of archery and level of competitive shooting advance so far since last year’s event has been amazing. It’s not going to be long before we see some of the younger Bahamian archers who’ve competed today doing the same on the international stage.”

Jamieson then went on to thank Aliv, Powerboat Adventures, RMS Insurance, Blackbeard’s Escape, Spritz Restaurant, and Dunkin Donuts for their continued recognition of archery as a growing sport in the Bahamas.

He also recognised co-organisers and Bahamas Archery vice president, Gina Jenkins and range official Rodolfo Pavon for their hard work in making the event happen.Bahamas Archery is a licenced and insured archery club in western New Providence, and member of World Archery Bahamas, the governing body for the sport in the country.

The club currently offers public weekly classes open to all, and provides an Explore Archery programme for schools on the island aimed at teaching children the sport.

Schools and the public can learn more about the programmes on offer at bahamasarchery.com.