My name is Carl Booty, and I am writing to introduce myself as a member of the newly formed Para Archery Committee within Archery New Zealand.
Archery New Zealand recognises that there has been a gap in dedicated support for disabled archery over the last 20 years. Our committee has been established to change that. Our mission is to ensure that archery is a sport with no boundaries—one where every club in the country is equipped to welcome disabled and vision-impaired (VI) archers.
Our Vision for the Future
We are committed to revitalising this pathway by focusing on:
- Removing Barriers: Challenging the physical and social hurdles that prevent people taking up archery.
- Specialised Coaching: Developing resources to train coaches in the specific needs of Para and VI athletes.
- Strategic Partnerships: Working closely with organisations like the Halberg Foundation to increase the number of disabled and VI archers and to identify and support new talent.
- The Elite Pathway: Building a sustainable pipeline to the Paralympics and Para World Championships.
Why This Matters
Archery is more than just a sport; it is an exceptional tool for upper-body exercise and rehabilitation. My commitment to this cause is personal. As a member of the New Zealand Defence Force Invictus Team, I have seen first-hand the power of adaptive sport.
Recently, while assisting at the Halberg Games "Have a Go" day, I witnessed the incredible impact of a child hitting the target for the first time. The excitement from the athletes—and the pride from their parents—is exactly what we want to cultivate across all New Zealand clubs.
Next Steps
Members of the Para Committee would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can support each other in becoming more inclusive and/or to answer any questions you have about our upcoming initiative.
Thank you for your support in making archery a sport for everyone.
Best regards,
Para Archery Committee, Archery New Zealand
