Commemorating National Archery Day in Guyana: Celebrating Tradition, Skill, and Unity

The Annual General Meeting of Archery Guyana Inc. was successfully held at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street on Friday 21st June, 2024, and members were therein given the opportunity to discuss activities and plans for the way forward to promote the Olympic sport of Archery in Guyana.

At the AGM, President, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon delivered a detailed report and background to the membership, from its establishment in August 2014 to date. This was followed by the delivery of a comprehensive Annual Report on all of the activities of the Federation, which was well received.

At the AGM, elections took place for the positions of Vice-President, Assistant Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer. The electoral process, known for its transparency and adherence to democratic principles, was conducted under the supervision of Mr. Siand Dhurjon, Attorney-at-Law.

President of Archery Guyana, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon expressed thanks for the professionalism demonstrated and opined that she is pleased that this year saw the number of women coming forward to contest positions on the Board of Directors. This is indicative of gender parity and she encourages more women to step to the fore to take leadership positions. Regrettably, in spite of contenders such as Roshini Boodhoo, Melesa Ramnaraine, Samira Duncan and Narda Mohamed, the electorate did not favour them and the elected board whose tenure ends 2027 now comprises as follows:

* President: Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon 
* Vice-President: Umasankar Madray 
* Secretary-General: Nicholas Hing 
* Assistant Secretary: Ryan McKinnon 
* Treasurer: Robert Singh
* Assistant Treasurer: Saeed Karim 

Mrs. Persaud-McKinnon concluded by urging continuous efforts toward gender balance and inclusivity within the Federation. "While we have made strides towards gender parity, there is still work to be done. I encourage more women to step up and lead. Their involvement is crucial to the diverse and dynamic future of Archery Guyana."

Archery Guyana is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that supports the development and participation of all members. The Federation looks forward to another year of growth, excellence, and increased engagement from its members.

The Externally Audited Financial Report was presented to the membership and was duly approved. Two motions were unanimously passed to amend the Constitution accordingly.

Thanks were expressed to the following persons and entities who assisted in one way or the other during the reporting period: Honourable Minister Charles Ramson, The Ministry of Culture Youth & Sport, Director of Sport, Mr. Steve Ninvalle, The National Sports Commission, Mr. Ryan McKinnon, Mr. Julius Simon, Commissioner General Mr. Godfrey Statia, the Guyana Revenue Authority, Mr. Harryram Parmesar - Parmesar Accounting Firm, Members and the Board of Archery Guyana Inc., Guyana Beverages Inc., Mr. Umasankar Madray, Mr. Robert Singh, Massy Distribution (Guyana) Inc., Massy Gas Products (Guyana) Ltd., Mr. Ray Beharry, Seven Seas, Mr. Samuel Arjoon, General Manager of Guyana Beverages Inc., the management of Guyana Beverages Inc.,  International Business Services, Mrs. Roshini Boodhoo, Woodpecker Products, Mr. Azad Ibrahim and the Board of Directors of the Muslim Youth Organisation and General Manager of the National Stadium, Mr. Jeewanram Persaud, Mr. Saeed Karim, Mr. Seelall and the staff at the National Racquet and Resource Centre, the Guyana Olympic Association, Mr. Ramsay Ali and the Management of Sterling Products Limited, the Media and all of its members.


Archery Guyana Hosts Successful Annual General Meeting

Archery Guyana proudly joined forces with Miss Guyana Culture Queen in a groundbreaking collaboration that fused the worlds of sport and fashion at the sashing ceremony of the ten contestants on Sunday 29th April, 2024. The event witnessed a convergence of elegance and athleticism as the partnership was forged celebrating the synergy between archery and haute couture.

Renowned fashion guru, Randy Madray, took center stage, captivating the audience with his impeccable sense of style and sophistication as the beautiful young ladies were formally introduced and sashed. 

In a moment of true partnership and empowerment, Mr. Randy Madray stood with representatives from Archery Guyana, with President Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon on his right and Mrs. Roshini Boodhoo-Persaud on his left, flanked by the delegates. Together, they symbolised the union of sport and fashion, embodying strength, grace, and elegance.

President Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon expressed her delight at the collaboration, emphasisng the empowering nature of archery and its alignment with the world of fashion. She remarked, "This collaboration represents more than just an event; it signifies the coming together of two powerful forces that empower individuals to express themselves, both physically and artistically."

Legendary Fashion Designer Mr. Randy Madray in this year's cricket focus opined that "The sashing ceremony not only celebrated the contestants of Miss Guyana's Culture Queen but also served as a testament to the limitless possibilities when sport and fashion unite". As Archery Guyana continues to champion empowerment through athleticism, this collaboration with Miss Guyana highlights the commitment to innovation and inclusivity.

According to President of Archery Guyana, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon shared that "in an exciting fusion of athleticism and elegance, the Miss Guyana Culture Queen contestants are set to embark on a thrilling archery experience. Details are currently being finalised for an exclusive session that will see these remarkable young women stepping onto the archery range."

As archery meets fashion, this unique collaboration promises an unforgettable blend of grace, precision, and style. Stay tuned as Archery Guyana unveils more details about this upcoming event, where beauty will meet skill in a celebration of strength and sophistication.


Archery Guyana and Miss Guyana Unite Sport and Fashion at Sashing Ceremony

Archery Guyana is proud to announce the commencement of the Caribbean Development Archery League (CDAL), aimed at providing a platform for budding archers in the region to compete remotely and hone their skills. Endorsed by World Archery Americas, this initiative was the brainchild of the Archery Association of St Vincent and the Grenadines' President and World Archery Americas Ethics Committee Member, Sanjay Jiandani, and is being run off in several Caribbean countries, which marks a significant step forward for the development of archery in the Caribbean.

The CDAL invites aspiring archers from affiliated clubs across the region to participate in this inaugural event. With no restrictions on the number of entrants, over 30 young archers from various parts of Guyana have already signed up for the ‘Extraordinary Beginner’ Category. This category, designed for archers with three months or less of experience, will see participants shooting from a distance of 15 meters with barebow equipment.

The competition will consist of multiple rounds, with league play concluding on June 24th, 2024. Following the league stage, the top four archers in each category will advance to the elimination finals on July 14th, 2024. The winners will be awarded medals at the CDC event in Jamaica.

On Sunday, April 28th, 2024, simultaneous shooting sessions were held at Essequibo's Motorcross Mainstay facility and the National Gymnasium, with the participation of Archery Guyana&#39;s National Coaches Ryan McKinnon and Saeed Karim in Essequibo and Umasankar Madray, and Jeewanram Persaud in Georgetown. The opening remarks were delivered by Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, President of Archery Guyana, at the National Gymnasium, where she extended her best wishes to all participants and expressed gratitude to the coaches, Board of Directors, sponsors, Guyana Beverages inc., media, Director of Sport Mr. Steve Ninvalle and the National Sports Commission for their support.

Archery Guyana is committed to fostering the growth of archery in the region and looks forward to a successful and competitive CDAL season.

![Competitors from ‘DeChief Archery Club’ and ‘Essequibo Archers'](/images/uploads/competitors-from-dechief-archery-club-and-essequibo-archers.jpg)

![National Archery Judge Mr. Ryan McKinnon and Judge Candidate Mr. Saeed Karim at the Essequibo session](/images/uploads/national-archery-judge-mr-ryan-mckinnon-and-judge-candidate-mr-saeed-karim-at-the-essequibo-session.jpg)

![Competitors from ‘DeChief Archery Club’ and 'Essequibo Archers'](/images/uploads/archery-guyana-launches-caribbean-development-archery-league-for-aspiring-archers-essequibo-clubs.jpg)

![National Coach Mr.  Jeewanram Persaud and Judge Candidate Mr. Umasankar Madray at the National  Gymnasium](/images/uploads/national-coach-mr-jeewanram-persaud-and-judge-candidate-mr-umasankar-madray-at-the-national-gymnasium.jpg)


Archery Guyana Launches Caribbean Development Archery League for Aspiring Archers

Archery Guyana’s Continental Judge, Mr. Nicholas Hing, has reported that the 2024 Pan American Archery Championships in Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia, held from April 9 to 14, 2024, was a total success. 

"The World Archery Americas team of 16 judges from across the region, conducted the competition with extreme professionalism under the leadership of WAA Secretary General, International Judge and Technical Delegate Sergio Font, International Judges Lais Nunez (Bra), Guille Pistache (Mex) and Ana Luiza De Mesquita (Bra), along with the many others, including retired International Judge and Continental Judge Bob Pian (USA). I was immediately accepted and shown friendship and support by everyone in this diverse group of judges from different regions of the Americas. I have learned so much from each of them and from the experience, since this was my very first International event as a Continental Judge." Hing stated.

"The experience was an unforgettable one, as the Pan American Championships attracts the biggest names in archery, many of them Olympians, and many more prospective Olympians. As judges, we always have to make sure we are aware and updated on any and all rule changes so as to carry out our duties effectively and efficiently. Judges meetings were held every morning before the start of the day’s matches to delegate each judge’s responsibility and we were divided into teams for: equipment checks, line judges, target judges and scorers." He also said.

The Board of Directors of Archery Guyana again extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Hing on his selection to have represented Guyana on the international stage.


Archery Guyana's Continental Judge reports on successful 2024 Pan American Archery Championships

Archery Guyana proudly announces the affiliation of "Oasis Archers," a dynamic addition to the archery community in Guyana.  Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, President of Archery Guyana warmly welcomed President Centhia Cross and the Executive Committee of Oasis Archers into its fold, congratulating them on marking a significant milestone in the sport's growth and development within the nation.

President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon expressed her enthusiasm for the affiliation, stating, "We are delighted to welcome Oasis Archers into the Archery Guyana family. Their dedication to the sport and commitment to fostering a thriving archery community align perfectly with our mission and values."

Ms. Centhia Cross, President of Oasis Archers, shared her excitement about joining Archery Guyana, saying, "We are thrilled to become part of Archery Guyana and look forward to contributing to the growth of archery in our country. With access to resources and support from the national governing body, we are confident in our ability to provide opportunities for archers of all levels to thrive."

The affiliation process with Archery Guyana is straightforward and accessible to all clubs interested in joining the association. Clubs can initiate the affiliation process by contacting Archery Guyana directly and submitting the necessary documentation. Once approved, affiliated clubs gain access to a wealth of resources and support to enhance their operations and promote the sport of archery within their communities.

Affiliation with Archery Guyana offers clubs like Oasis Archers access to a wide range of benefits, including participation in sanctioned events, coaching and development programs, and other benefits through Archery Guyana's affiliation with World Archery, the international governing body for the sport.

President of Archery Guyana Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon took the opportunity to give an overview as to the affiliation process which is straightforward and designed to streamline the integration of clubs into the federation. She indicated that Clubs interested in affiliating with Archery Guyana are invited to express their interest by contacting the federation directly. This can be done via email, phone, or through the website or the various social platforms. Upon expressing interest, clubs will be provided with the necessary documentation and forms required for affiliation. These documents include inter alia an application form, club constitution, a list of executive members democratically elected. Once the completed documentation is submitted, Mrs. Persaud-McKinnon indicated that "our federation will review the application to ensure compliance with our affiliation requirements. This process may involve a review of the club's structure, activities, and alignment with our federation's values and objectives." Upon successful review and approval, the club will receive official confirmation of its affiliation with Archery Guyana. This confirmation opens the door to a wealth of benefits and opportunities for the club and its members including:

* Participation in national and international competitions and events.
* Access to coaching and training resources.
* Networking opportunities with other affiliated clubs and organisations.
* Recognition and visibility as part of the national archery community.
* Support and guidance from the federation's leadership team.

According to Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, "Affiliation with Archery Guyana not only strengthens the bonds within our archery community but also empowers clubs to play an active role in shaping the future of the sport in Guyana.  Together, we can work towards a shared vision of excellence, inclusivity, and growth in archery.  I urge all clubs passionate about archery to take the first step towards affiliation with Archery Guyana. Together, let us unlock the full potential of our sport and create a brighter future for archery in our nation. Welcome to Oasis Archers Club"

In photo below: Oasis Archers' Committee, comprising Centhia Cross as President, Quincy Clarke as Vice President, Aaron Taylor as Treasurer, Lalita Lachman as Secretary, and members Michael Benn, Colin Higgins, Samuel Arjoon, Esau Ishmael, and Vishal Ragoobeer, stands ready to lead the club into this new chapter of affiliation with Archery Guyana.

For more information about Archery Guyana and the affiliation process, please email ArcheryGuyana@gmail.com


New Archery Club 'Oasis Archers' Affiliates with Archery Guyana

Guyana’s Devin Permaul and Wayne DeAbreu competed in 2 back-to-back competitions in Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia. 

The first was the Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifier from April 6-9, 2024, where Devin Permaul shot his ranking score of 607, and Wayne DeAbreu shot his ranking score of 485. Below the minimum score of 640. 

![Devin Permaul competes in 2 back-to-back competitions in Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia](/images/uploads/permaul-represented-guyana-in-back-to-back-archery-competitions-in-medellin.jpg)

Permaul indicated, "My qualifier was underwhelming. It seems on the international circuit, it takes more time to acclimate. The next step is to at least shoot the minimum score (640) for the Olympics."

![DeAbreu competes in 2 back-to-back competitions in Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia](/images/uploads/deabreu-represented-guyana-in-back-to-back-archery-competitions-in-medellin.jpg)

DeAbreu said, “I Found it difficult to get in a groove as I had a minor injury to my draw finger, going forward, I’ll create a more specific training routine and try to free up more time allocated to training mentally and physically.

The second competition they both shot in was the Pan American Championships from April 9-16, 2024. They both gained byes to the 1/24 bracket with their ranking scores at number 33. Permaul shot against Javier Alejandro Vega Valle of Cuba, but lost to him 6-4 after 5 sets. DeAbreu also lost to Mexico’s Carlos Rojas 6-0 after 3 sets.

The Board of Directors of Archery Guyana wishes to thank Wayne DeAbreu and Devin Permaul for their continued efforts representing the national federation and the country as they aim for Olympic gold.


Permaul and DeAbreu represented Guyana in back-to-back Archery competitions in Medellin

![Archery Guyana represented at the Barbados Senior Games 2023](/images/uploads/archery-guyana-barbados-senior-games-2023.jpg)

Guyana's sole representative Robert Singh at the Barbados Senior Games 2023 won 2 bronzes in the sport of Archery. The 2023 Barbados National Senior Games Archery competition was held over the weekend at the World Archery Barbados (WAB) Archery Facility, Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Wildey, St. Michael Barbados on Saturday 24th June, and Sunday 25th June 2023.

Robert Singh, representing Archery Guyana competed in the recurve bow age category of 55- 59 years old males and in an impromptu intercountry competition.

![Robert Singh, representing Archery Guyana in an impromptu intercountry competition](/images/uploads/archery-guyana-barbados-senior-games-2023-guyana-and-barbados.jpg)

The Barbados National Senior Games was first held in 2002. The concept of the games is to promote “Active Ageing”, and improved healthy lifestyles ultimately leading to an improved quality of life and longevity among the Barbadian population. 

The Archery competition encompasses three of the traditional archery bow styles with modifications in distances shot and was held in accordance with the current rules and regulations of World Archery (WA)

The competition was also attended by a Trinidadian team. 

The competiton format was the “900” American round which was shot each day as follows: 
1. 30 arrows from 60 yards – five ends of 6 arrows
2. 30 arrows from 50 yards – five ends of 6 arrows
3. 30 arrows from 40 yards – five ends of 6 arrows

![Robert Singh of Archery Guyana and other medalists at the Barbados Senior Games 2023](/images/uploads/archery-guyana-barbados-senior-games-2023-guyana-and-barbados-medalists.jpg)

The maximum time permitted for an archer to shoot an end of six arrows is four minutes.

Robert Singh as a matter of note had never competed at those distances previously.

Robert Singh’s category results were:
- Robert Singh (Guy) Bronze
- Andre Gopee (TT) Silver
- Kurt Meyer (TT) Gold

Archery Guyana represented at the Barbados Senior Games 2023

Archery Guyana will stage an Olympic Solidarity Coaching Course beginning January 17, 2024 and will run until Sunday January 21, 2024. This five-day Olympic Solidarity Coaching Course will be held under the auspices of Olympic Solidarity and in this regard the Board of Directors commended the Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association for the guidance and making this possible for Archery and for Guyana.

World renowned World Archery Coach Trainer, Ms. Ludys Carina Tejada, is a Dominican, who actually started archery as an athlete in 1978-2008, being a recipient of numerous awards and has medalled in a number of events. She is now an Archery Coach who is also a member of the World Archery Development Committee from 2010 to date. Currently, she is a Coach of Santo Domingo Archery school and Pedro Henriquez Ureña University, which position she held since 2014 and has been selected as the facilitator of this course. 

The course will be attended by 20 participants, both male and female, who are all local archery coaches of various levels and work with various schools throughout the various Regions.  Ms. Tejada has tailored a programme to include the basics of coaching juniors right up to the team tactics of senior level competition. President of Archery Guyana, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, in giving an update on planning of the event, expressed special thanks to President of the Guyana Olympic Committee, Mr. Godfrey Munroe, Mr. Garfield Wiltshire and Executive Committee members for the provision of an Olympic Solidarity grant, Director of Sport Mr. Steve Ninvalle and the National Sports Commission and the Unit of Allied Art, Ministry of Education.

Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon stated that among the topics to be covered in the proposed Agenda are Code of Ethics/WADA, Introduction to what is Archery and what is coaching, the Beginners Award Programme, How to build an Archery session, preparatory movements/ stance and nocking, string grip, bow and hand setting, body preposition, bow rising, anchoring, full draw form, production of forces, full draw form, expansion, aiming/target panic, Para Archery, release and follow through, balance, physical development, psychology, mental and visual and breathing.

The course will be conducted at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown. There will be theory and practical sessions twice per day beginning at 8:30hrs to 12:00hrs and then again from 13:00hrs to 16:30hrs.

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Commemorating National Archery Day in Guyana: Celebrating Tradition, Skill, and Unity

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Commemorating National Archery Day in Guyana: Celebrating Tradition, Skill, and Unity

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Permaul and DeAbreu represented Guyana in back-to-back Archery competitions in Medellin

Archery Guyana represented at the Barbados Senior Games 2023

Olympic Solidarity Archery Coaching Course to be hosted in Guyana

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