Causeway Archers win the FITA Stars

FIVE Archers from The Causeway Company of Archers, based in Ballymoney, recently attended a World Record Status shoot held in Moira, Lurgan and hosted by Kilmore Archery Club.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th May 2010, 12:23 BST
Updated 14th May 2010, 17:23 BST

The shoot was a FITA Star event held over two days. The Federation Internationale de Tir A L’arc is the Worldwide Archery Federation who governs the Olympic sport of archery.

The White FITA Star is awarded to the archer who shoots at the required distance for their age group and who scores over 1000 points for the days shoot.

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Seniors aged 18 and over must shoot 36 arrows at four distances covering 90m, 70m, 50m and 30m for males and 70m, 60m, 50m and 30m for females.

Two junior club members, Shonni Macfadyen and Stewart-Lee Macfadyen were shooting in their first ever outdoor shoot and for the Under-14 age category they are required to shoot 36 arrows at 40m, 30m, 20m and 10metres.

The two-day shoot format can be quite demanding but both Causeway Archers showed great will and determination and came away with their just rewards. Both archers winning first place in their categories and both gaining FITA Stars.

Shonni scored a very credible 886 on day one but shot a fantastic 1026 on day two to qualify for her award. Stewart-Lee, who is still a primary school pupil, scored 1101 on day one and 1106 on day two. These scores earned Stewart-Lee a Black FITA Star award for scoring above 1100.

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Also, their coach and dad, Chris, was also shooting in his first outdoor competition this year and between trying to keep the two young juniors focused and concentrating on his own shooting was able to achieve a White FITA Star for a score of 998 on day one and 1068 on day two.

Fellow senior members Liam Berry and Marie Friel shot very well for their first competitive outdoor shoot this year and recorded fantastic scores at a reduced distance. This will prove to be great practice for the step up in distance at their next shoot.

The Causeway Company of Archers, based in Ballymoney, on the Drumskea Road is open on Tuesday evenings from 7.00pm to 9.00pm and on Sundays from 2.00 – 5.00pm. Indoor and outdoor shooting ranges are available for members.

Archery Beginners Courses are being run regularly throughout the year with the next one due to start soon. Any adults are especially encouraged to come along and have a go. Anyone wishing further information or to enquire about Beginners Courses should contact Chris on 07904065250.