Two archers from the Archery Hearts Club recently made their club and province proud when they finished first at the South African National Archery Association (SANAA) indoor nationals.
The 18-year-old Kyle Wolter and 17-year-old Dané de Jager competed at Ultimate Aim on October 8 and 9. During these two days the archers had to shoot 120 arrows at a three-faced target from 18m.
Kyle won first place in the SANAA indoor national U21 male category and Dané took home first place in the SANAA indoor national U21 female category.
Both of these archers have been competing for the past two to three years. While Dané practice three to four times a month, Kyle makes time for practice three to four times a week.
Next on Kyle’s to do list is qualifying for his national indoor colours as well as the U21 youth world championships. Dané dreams of competing internationally.
Ultimately, Dané wants to make archery her career while Kyle wants to be ranked as one of the best archers. He also wants to participate overseas.
Meeting new people and the sportsmanship between archers is one of the things that stand out most about the sport for Kyle, while Dané enjoys the challenge and perfecting her technique.
Melissa Maritz from the club explained that most people see archery as a physically challenging sport, when in actual fact the biggest challenge is the mental game.
She said that when you ask any experienced archer, they will tell you … ‘First, it teaches you humility’.
“However, there are so many other benefits over and above the physical fitness part including focus, discipline, self-control, patience, perseverance and accountability to name a few … very much like golf.”
Anybody can participate in archery and Melissa said their youngest archer is only five years old while the oldest is 72.
“There are numerous different disciplines as well as classes within these disciplines available to offer anybody a place within social as well as competitive archery including people with disabilities.”
She explained that there are various indoor and outdoor disciplines as well as social competitions to compete in. They suggest you contact a club to help you get started correctly.
The Archery Hearts was registered as a formal approved club at the beginning of 2022 and Melissa explained that even though you take your shots on your own you are always part of a family, and it is a family sport.
Melissa said you do not have to sell your house to participate in the sport and there is space for everybody in their club. The club has over 30 active archers at the moment and most of them will be competing at the 2022 ABO Nationals on November 19 and 20.
“Archery Hearts along with its practice range is based in Oatlands, Krugersdorp. We, however, compete in tournaments throughout the country. For further information please contact Johann Maritz on 082 494 7556 or Petrus Nieuwenhuizen on 083 260 8078.”
