Eighteen athletes and six staff gathered at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra for a three-day Para Archery Camp one of the largest to date bringing together both High Performance and Developing Para Archers for a weekend of technical training, education, and shared learning. The camp marked an important milestone in the pathway toward Brisbane 2032, strengthening connections across the para archery community and reinforcing the program’s commitment to long-term growth.
Throughout the weekend, athletes took part in sessions focused on travel readiness, nutrition, hydration, and competition preparation, learning how to navigate the demands of performance both on and off the field. Workshops on training plans, shot execution, stance, and timing gave athletes the opportunity to refine their technique and build consistency, while interactive games encouraged teamwork and highlighted the mental and physical aspects of archery.
High Performance athletes played a crucial mentoring role, leading by example and sharing insights from their own experiences. HP athlete Tom introduced the group to data collection methods and the importance of minimising major mistakes rather than chasing perfect arrows, while HP athlete Chris worked with W1 athlete Rosie to explore adaptive equipment tailored to her needs. Vision-impaired archer Craig and spotter Jacqui received hands-on technical coaching from Graham to take back to their home program, continuing their development beyond the camp.
The program also featured an introduction to emotional regulation delivered by sports psychologist Mat Grey, part of an ongoing series to help athletes manage pressure and improve mental performance. Later, coach Ricci provided a detailed explanation of the Paralympic quota system, helping participants understand the pathway to international representation.
The camp concluded with a strong sense of unity and purpose. Athletes and staff reflected on a weekend filled with learning, laughter, and shared goals. Many had taken time away from families, work, and even birthdays to attend demonstrating their dedication to the sport and each other.
The weekend reaffirmed that the future of para archery in Australia is bright, built on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the drive to inspire the next generation on the road to Brisbane 2032.
Spanish 
English 
French 
Chinese