Numbers increase at Ballyvally club

It seems there has been an upsurge in people taking up a sport and this is nowhere as evident as in the ancient sport of archery.

Many Northern Ireland archery clubs have experienced an influx of interested individuals from the end of August and this has been the case in the local Ballyvally club, which shoots in Banbridge Leisure Centre.

No fewer than 83 new affiliations have been signed up in the last four weeks and neither the interest nor the numbers seemed to be waning.

For Ballyvally, with approximately 450 shooting each year, this is almost a 20% increase in a few weeks and the interest extends across all the age groups from four years olds right up to the veterans.

Archery is one of the sports in which you can compete right up to old age. With Ballyvally being very much a family club, it is good to see many family groups of two archers right up to five archers coming along to enjoy the sport and the craic.

For those interested ring club coach Frank Mulligan on 028 406 23748 for more information.

WORLD POLICE AND FIRE GAMES - With Northern Ireland’s bid for the world Games beating Austria last year, preparations are very much advanced to host the third biggest games in the world here.

In archery terms, three days have to be organised for the beginning of August 2013. Two of the days, when the FITA and 3D rounds will be shot, are down to the chairman of Ballyvally Archery Club, Mr Frank Mulligan, who will be responsible for the two days and two courses in the woods.

Volunteers who would like to help in any of the events can contact WPFG through their site. It is expected about 10,000 athletes will compete over all the sports!