By Barrie Alpha

Norman Acerbi Davies, Technical Director of the Sierra Leone Archery Association (SLAA) as stressed his association’s commitment to take the sport to the grassroots.

After implementing the school’s initiative programme at the Prince of Wales and St. Joseph Convent Secondary Schools in Freetown, the association targeted a community-based organization, the Word Made Flesh Orphanage at Kingtom, last week, where young people were introduced to the sports of archery.

According to the Technical Director, this approach aims to foster a love for the sport of archery, develop physical and social skills, and build community engagement.

“Taking archery to the grassroots means making the sport accessible and engaging for people at the local level, often through community programs, schools, and clubs. This involves increasing participation, especially among under-represented groups, and building a strong foundation for the sport’s future,” he said.

“Very recently, we engaged both POW and the St. Joseph Convent Secondary Schools and now we’ve also engaged the people at the Word Made Flesh Orphanage, a community-based organization,” Acerbi Davies stated, adding we are taking the sport of archery to the grassroots meaning we are focusing on local, community-based sports initiatives that prioritize participation over competition, especially for those who may not typically have access to the sport of archery”.

He emphasized his association commitment to take the sport of archery to the schools and communities across the country so that they will be adequately represented in international competition.

“I am very humble to be part of this programme taking into consideration I was in love with the sport, but I was not opportune to see it live. Now, I can proudly boast of being part of the demonstration. One of the boys at the Word Made Flesh Orphanage, Abdul Bangura maintained. “I’ve learnt how to use the bow and arrows (knocking the arrows and pre draw) and also some of the basic techniques of the archery including the 3-stance,” he noted.