Adaptive Archery for Persons with Disabilities

Archery is an ancient pastime which today is a very popular activity.  Hollywood is bringing this accessible sport and activity to the mainstream with the movies the Avengers, Hunger Games and Brave.  It is practices by athletes, hunters and as a recreation all over the world. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to access adaptive archery as it is a fun way to get active.  As well it is a featured competition at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. This blog will give anyone interested in archery a taste for how adaptable the sport has become.

The first year that archery was in the Paralympics was 1960 in Rome, Italy 

although it was featured at the Stoke Mandeville Games in 1948.

These young athletes are double and triple amputees

Matt Stutzman "The armless Archer" and a member of the

US Paralympic Team.  Double arm amputee.

Blind and Visually Impaired Archery Competition

Some resources for someone looking to learn more about archery with a disability: 

(Click on the organization to be taken to their websites)

World Archery Federation: (click on the Para-Archery Tab): This federation oversees all international archery including Paralympic level competition.

Archery TV:  The Internet TV station for the World Archery Federation.

United Foundation of Disabled Archers: This organization supports persons with disabilities who desire equal access to bow hunting and outdoor adventures.

USA Archery: National Governing Body which oversees archery in the United States. Includes Paralympic information.

140 Athletes will shoot in nine medal events at the London 2012 Paralympics

The event will take place at the Royal Artillery Barracks

The Physically Challenged Bowhunters of America: The name says it all. Another organization to assist persons with disabilities to get outside and hunt.

History of Archery: The history of archery as told by Wikipeda.

Disabled Archery USA: Grass roots organization which provides information on training, equipment selection, rules and many other aspects of adaptive archery

London 2012 Paralympics Archery: The official site for archery at the London Games.  View schedules, rules and more.

International Paralympic Committee Archery: The IPC oversees all international competitions and rules around the sport of archery. This is a good starting point for international visitors.

Youth shooting archery from a wheelchair

The Boss is the name for the target on an archery range.

British Paralympic Athlete Danielle Brown
is the current women's world archer champion


Arrows for Paralympic competition are made of carbon graphite.

Archer Antonio Rebollo lighting the 1992 Olympic Flame

Paralympian Matt Stutzman breaking the 

Guinness Book of World Records for longest accurate archery shot.

There are introductory archery clinics for persons with disabilities around the United States and around the world.  This accessible activity is inexpensive to get into and a lot of fun.  What are you waiting for?  Find your local archery club or fish and game club today and get out there.  

Knowledge is Empowerment!

-RAM