VEREGIN - In the sport of archery, the Junior Olympic Program (JOP) is designed to recognize young archers for their achievements and give encouragement for improvements. As awards are earned, each youth develops archery skills together with greater confidence and ability to perform in competition. Goals also include recognizing fair play, courtesy, and good sportsmanship with the emphasis placed on safety and individual performance.
The program is open to youth aged 6 to 21 years. Youth must have their own bow and arrows, arm guard, and finger protection. Sights and/or releases are optional. Beginner youth start shooting at 10 meters, progressing to 15 meters, then 18 meters as their score and skill levels increase. Youth shoot an indoor round of 30 arrows on a 40 cm face following Archery Canada Indoor Target Rules.
Supported by their parents, Kristy and Devon O'Soup, youth shooters Dominick and Ricky made the journey to experience their first-ever JOP tournament held at the Alfred Jenkins Field House in P.A. Also competing alongside the O’Soup brothers was Dameon Lillebo, son of Terri and Lorne Lillebo.
Coaches Scott Green and Rhonda Streelasky attended the event to support their competing Kamsack students.
“We have never been to a JOP shoot,” said Coach Green. “I was quite nervous for our shooters but excited knowing that we finally have parents wanting to send their youth to this competition. Now that we know what it is all about, we are hoping to send more members to compete next year.”
Coach Green reported that the three archers did “awesome” – despite not bringing home medals in their first provincial-wide competition.
Using a hand-me-down bow from his older brother, Ricky O'Soup, placed in the top four of his category. At the age of six, Coach Green said the talented youth had just begun his archery training this year.
“That’s the nice part of archery,” offered Green. “When the older family member grows out of it or wishes to move up to a newer bow – they can hand it down.”
“Ricky did really well, but you could see he was fatigued finishing up the shoot-off round. Once he had finished shooting his 30 arrows (plus 15 in the warm-up) he faced another round of 30 arrows. Throughout the shoot, he was calm and collected.”
Coach Green said he was very impressed with Dominick and Dameon who also both finished strong in their categories.
“Rhonda and I are so proud of all of them for shooting their best,” said Green. “Our club would like to thank the Timberland Bowbenders for hosting an awesome shoot, and we can't wait to see who will attend next year’s competition – wherever that may be.”
