McKinnon optimistic about 1st outdoor tournament since pandemic

Despite on-and-off torrential rainfall, Archery Guyana took their bows and arrows to the National Stadium, Providence last Sunday, as they commenced their highly-anticipated Outdoor Championships.

This has been the first such outdoor championship that Archery Guyana has been able to stage since the pandemic hit local shores in 2020.
Although the turnout was less than expected, Director of Shooting, Ryan McKinnon appreciated the commencement of the tournament, as it gave the opportunity to test competitors and new structures.
“It’s good to have the archers come out and shoot this event, especially using this facility and, of course, using our newly-certified judges as part of the organisational committee and movement towards more efficient and better structure of the sport itself,” said McKinnon, who is one of Guyana’s certified national judges.
Going further, McKinnon was able to pick up on the expected slack-off in performances, citing a lack of facilities. However, he had a positive outlook on the Association being able to access facilities in the future.

On the matter of the lack in performances, he shared, “Obviously, it’s a perishable skill. So, because of the long layoff, we see, 1) a very small turnout in terms of members actually participating in this event, but even the more senior members, because of the inability to get access to outdoor facilities to shoot – that obviously impacted their performances here today.”
The Shooting Director for Sunday’s Outdoor Championships explained, “Getting facilities and permission to use facilities, I mean, this country is a very large country, we should have some new facilities being put forward and developed. But, given that we have already existing facilities, fields and school grounds, I think that it’s imperative we tap into those areas. Even auditoriums and certain places for the indoor.”
“Coming out of the pandemic and everything from the last two years, I think that’s where we’re going to be able to benefit, coming down the next months and years as a country, for the development of the sport,” he went on to add.
Turning his attention to sponsor Seven Seas’ support, which it extended for both the Indoor and Outdoor Championships, McKinnon touched on how its contributions would assist.
“That is a key element in any sport. Some of the big sports have massive entities taking part in it and we’re happy to have Seven Seas on board to sponsor both Indoor and Outdoor Championships for 2021.”
McKinnon further stated, “Oasis is our official beverage and water supplier. Those things take off especially for the athletes; people see us shooting bows and think it’s an easy thing, but when you have to come out here in the hot sun or the rain, it takes some toll on the body to continue.”
“So, sponsorship is key, nourishment is key,” he concluded.