Archery is a sport for all ages, with participants ranging from as young as seven to well into their nineties. This is demonstrated by Ian Hunter, aged 91, a member of Lasswade Archery Club in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian.
Scottish Archery, in partnership with The Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland are supporting session leaders by providing training, resources and equipment, enabling them to deliver archery as part of their existing services and programmes.
Sporting Memories are dedicated to bringing older people together with the aim of making a positive difference in their lives by providing them with a welcoming, supportive and structured environment where they can develop confidence to improve their lives for the better. This presented an ideal opportunity to develop a partnership and for Scottish Archery to support through archery provision.
Lyndsay Noon, CEO, Scottish Archery, said: ‘‘Through the partnership with Sporting Memories, we can demonstrate how collaboration can unlock something special. Archery, as one of the most inclusive sports, welcomes everyone regardless of age or ability, offering a space where confidence can grow, connections can flourish, and shared experiences can enrich lives.
"Together, these partnerships don’t just deliver activities; they create moments of purpose, belonging, and joy.”
Building confidence and community
Archery sessions began because of a conversation between Sporting Memories Development Director Brian Sloan and Scottish Archery’s Communities and Workforce Development Officer, Robert Clark at one of the sportscotland ‘Meeting Community Need through Sport & Physical Activity’ sessions.
Allister McKillop, Sporting Memories Session Leader from the Juniper Green Club shared the positive impact the archery activity has had on participants involved:
‘‘After meeting up with Robert at a Sporting Memories event he very kindly came to my Community Dementia café for a demonstration of what indoor archery has to offer. Our group loved the experience, especially after finding out that Robert had donated some equipment for us to keep.”
He added: “We have used the kit extensively and indeed we ran an Archery competition with the two winners appearing in the CBNews! As an extra bonus I got my Men’s Shed involved and they have purchased several sets for us to use, especially during the winter months. It’s been a very fruitful and enjoyable collaboration with Scottish Archery and the amazing staff’’.
Agnes attended the session and said, “being in a wheelchair means sports can prove difficult...not archery! I even managed a bullseye!”
Strengthening body and mind
Archery is a sport almost anyone can get involved in, no matter their age, gender or ability. Drawing a bow gets your body moving too, burning calories while building strength in your arms and back.
It’s also a great way to get your steps in. Walking back and forth to the shooting line and out to the targets to collect your arrows soon adds up — often more quickly than you’d expect.
At tournaments, archers can walk up to five miles each day, burning between 100 and 150 active calories every 30 minutes!
Allister McKillop commented on the inclusive nature of indoor archery:
“It's really all about giving the group confidence in their abilities. You can sit or stand, and we can move target closer or further away, so every ability is covered. It also helps as an exercise and coordination but in a fun way. The best benefit is that it's ALSO a group activity. Everyone gets involved and there is much laughter.”
As well as the physical benefits, archery can be a positive influence on your mental health and wellbeing. It encourages you to slow down, focus, and really concentrate on the moment.
Experienced archers learn to set aside distractions, whether that’s a gust of wind, background noise, or worries they’ve brought with them to the range. For those few minutes, the focus is entirely on technique and the target ahead.
With many factors to consider, the ability to concentrate so fully can carry over into everyday life, helping people stay focused on tasks and better manage stress and anxieties.
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