Archery Guyana hits new mark with holistic wellness seminar

Archery Guyana has successfully concluded the second stage of its Wellness and Nutrition Seminar, shifting the focus from the shooting line to its athletes’ physical and mental health.

The session, held at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue, brought together a cross-section of the archery community to tackle the “off-the-bow” essentials: nutrition, injury prevention, and physical conditioning.

The federation’s strategy is clear: elite performance in modern archery requires more than just a steady hand; it demands a disciplined approach to recovery and bodily health.

Head Coach Ryan McKinnon delivered a firm message to participants, noting that high-level improvement isn’t achieved simply by increasing range volume.

“Meaningful improvement in archery is not achieved simply by increasing the number of arrows shot during practice,” McKinnon told the seminar. Instead, he argued that success lies in “intentional training,” where technical skill is balanced with mental discipline and physical care.

In a move specifically tailored to the demands of the sport, Federation President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon announced a new partnership with the Ministry of Health to provide vision screening for archers.

Given the sport’s heavy reliance on depth perception and focus, the federation is organising a dedicated Saturday session for eye examinations, with the potential for athletes to access vouchers for corrective lenses through a Ministry-backed programme.

The event saw significant collaboration with the Guyana Physiotherapists Association, with facilitators Vanessa Wickham and Aretha Legall leading practical demonstrations—including scapula strength testing with youth prospects.

The seminar also garnered support from the National Sports Commission and corporate partners, ensuring athletes remained fueled and hydrated throughout the intensive morning session.

As Archery Guyana looks toward regional and international competition, these workshops form the backbone of a broader strategy to ensure Guyanese archers are as physically robust as they are technically proficient.