To unite our different archery communities across the UK, we launched the Aim for Paris Virtual Challenge, which offered archers of all levels the chance to shoot alongside the best of the best during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The challenge ran from 26 July to 8 September, enabling participants to choose their required category – whether an aspiring junior, seasoned veteran, or newcomer to the sport. All bowstyles were welcome and distances ranged from 10 to 70 metres, with each round presenting a unique challenge, mirroring the intensity and precision of the Olympic and Paralympic events.
We received a staggering 1,041 entries across the various categories. Some people submitted scores above the maximum possible score of 360 and so their results had to be discounted. After a short delay as we processed the huge number of entries, here are the results you've all been waiting for:
Barebow Compound Longbow Recurve
A special congratulations to 327 participants who will now receive a limited-edition gold Aim for Paris Virtual Challenge badge for being first in their category. All competitors also had the opportunity to purchase a limited edition blue and gold Aim for Paris badge to commemorate the event.
There are still some badges left so head on over to the Archery GB shop to get your hands on a special memory of this unique challenge:
Gayle Pink, Head of Sport Development, said: "We are delighted with the huge number of people who took part in the Aim for Paris Virtual Challenge, and we would like to thank everyone who entered, promoted, or organised delivery of the virtual competition.
"We were thrilled that as well as clubs, Archery Activity Partners, instructors, and scouting groups all supported the competition. The key focus was on fun, engagement and getting behind our Olympic and Paralympic athletes. We hope this new format will lead to more people taking part in our virtual competitions in the future."
Katy Cumming, Performance Operations Manager, said: "The Competitions team are overwhelmed by the level of participation in the Aim for Paris virtual challenge. It is fantastic to see archers across all bowstyles getting involved and we hope everyone enjoyed the experience."
Feedback has been positive, with the competition bringing great joy and passion to all who entered:
"It's been an absolute pleasure to promote and something we as a club got behind."
"They were very fun to do, and we are hoping to participate in further virtual challenges. Everyone absolutely enjoyed it."
"We managed to get around 50 members to take part, not bad from a club of just over 100."
We would like to thank everyone who entered or encouraged their community organisation or club to take part.
Aim for Paris Virtual Challenge page
