Minister of Social Cohesion, with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton, accompanied by Director of Sport Christopher Jones, on Thursday paid a courtesy call at the inaugural Archery Clinic which is being held at the National Racquet Center.
He was particularly pleased with the dynamics of the programme, and thanked the World Archery Association for letting Guyana participate in such a programme.
The Level One course is being facilitated by International Archery Coach Phillip Graves, who has a solid list of credentials. He has prepared a packed curriculum, consisting of preparing a shooter, biomechanics of shooting, recreational shooting, developmental shooting, and competitive shooting.
Participants of the course pose for a photo with Minister of Social Cohesion, with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Norton and Director of sport Christopher Jones
Speaking on the impressive developmental plan that Guyana has formulated in order to benefit from the Archery Course, Coach Graves expressed optimism that the country can produce top notch shooters for the international stage.
“Out in the hinterlands. You may have an athlete out there that’s going to become a national champion for Guyana, they may be the next Guyanese Olympian,” Graves stated.
Dr. Norton expressed similar sentiments to Coach Graves’s, stating that the Archery Guyana organization has the potential to produce an Olympian.
“Somebody was saying in the sporting world that our first Olympic gold would come from a novelty event. Maybe this is that event. The possibility exists, and we have to explore the possibility,” the minister stated.
He charged the participants to make the most of the course. “All you participants, I hope you will grasp every bit of Mr. Graves’s lessons, and exploit every opportunity to seek clarification. So that when you return to your community, you will be able to impart your knowledge in others.”
Minister Norton later took the opportunity to try out the sport. The Government officials mingled with the students and learnt a few new things about the sport. At conclusion of the course, the participants will become certified Level One archers.
