By Sarah MacMillan
In the past it was a means of survival, but today archery has become a popular recreational sport, one that zone eight archery co-ordinator, Tim Kenning, fell in love with 25 years ago.
“Twenty-five years ago I went hunting on a farm in South Africa and the owner of the farm got me to try his bow,” said Kenning. “I shot it and it bit me. I went back to civilization and bought a bow.”
Today, Kenning participates in local 3D archery competitions while also sharing his love of archery with others through the archery shop he owns in Chase.
Three years ago Kenning also set up archery practice in Chase secondary school. He says that since then, the number of people interested has been increasing. Which is okay by him since his favourite part of the sport is the ability to help others enjoy it.
“I’ve taken these girls and taught them to shoot,” said Kenning.
However, though enjoyable, the sport is also mentally demanding.
“Archery is ninety per cent mental and ten per cent mental,” said Kenning.
Within the senior games there are six different equipment categories using three different types of bows- a compound bow, a recurve bow and a longbow.
“It’s much of a modern thing” said Kenning regarding the compound bow. A compound bow is an energy efficient stiff limbed bow that uses cables and pulleys to bend the limbs.
Meanwhile the recurve bow is similar to what its name describes.
“The limbs of the recurve, curve back and the ends curve back,” said Kenning.
The last type of bow used in the senior games is the longbow, a bow that is roughly the same height as the person who uses it.
“The longbow is like what Robin Hood used,” said Kenning.
With the six different age categories as well as the six different equipment categories, a maximum of twenty-four men and twenty-four women are able to compete.
The competition itself takes place over three days of the games, and in the end, gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to the top finishers.
For more information regarding archery please contact Tim Kenning by phone at 250-679-2304 or by email timsarchery@cablelan.net.
Information regarding the B.C. Seniors Games can also be found at www.bcseniorsgames.org, or check out the B.C. Senior Games Booth at this weekend’s Celebration of Rural Living Expo and Trade Show at the North Thompson Agriplex Apr. 27 and 28, 9 - 5 pm daily.
Article written for Kamloops This Week