BAI ranks boosted after first Basic Archery Instructor training session
THE RANKS of the Basic Archery Instructors (BAI) in the region is set to swell after six enthusiastic individuals attended the first BAI Training hosted at Vooruitsig Primary School AGA (Africa Genesis Archery) Club, with five volunteers hailing from Kimberley and one from Bloemfontein on Saturday, May 6.
Andrieka Stroebel, a skilled archer in her own right, Chantelle Shaw who is a supportive team member, Christephor Kruger a student from Sol Plaatje University, Karin Bester, an experienced Vooruitsig Primary School coach, Linda Visser a talented archer from the Free State, and Shihaam Joemat a helpful parent, all performed exceptionally well, achieving a distinction by scoring 90% and over in their practical and written exams combined.
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The training was hosted by Dawid de Greeff, Administrative Officer of AGA-NC, who recently achieved the qualification of Archery Instructor Trainer under AGA-SA CEO Wilhelm Greeff and president Frik Birkenstock.
The full-day training also provided existing BAIs with an opportunity to refresh their certification, ensuring they remain up-to-date with the latest rules and regulations.
Assisting de Greeff on the day were Kevin Ponton, himself an experienced BAI, Lizette Marais, another skilled BAI, and Annemarie de Greeff, who also attended the refresher training.
AGA-NC now boasts 14 active BAIs and one BAI assistant, a 17-year-old volunteer who is ready to serve as a range official at the upcoming inter-school and inter-club competition at Du Toitspan Primary AGA Club on Saturday, May 13.
A record number of 49 archers, including eight from Sol Plaatje University Archery Club, the latest club to join AGA-NC, have registered for tomorrow’s (Saturday’s) Bull’s Eye and 3D Competition.
De Greeff revealed that this marks eight weeks since he began offering free archery orientation at the university. Close to 100 students expressed interest in registering for archery during SPU’s student orientation weeks, and almost 40 actively participated in weekly training sessions at the University Sports Campus over the past few months.
These students dedicated their time throughout the quarter-1 recess and are now reaping the rewards of their hard work by actively competing in AGA-NC competitions.
De Greeff is thrilled about the prospect of establishing SPU’s first archery team comprising 18 to 24 archers in the near future and having them compete against Kimberley Adventure Archery Club’s adult team, in the first Northern Cape inter-club competition as preparation for SPU to compete against other universities.
If you’re interested in joining or supporting AGA-NC and AGA-SA, contact Dawid de Greeff (AGA-NC administrative officer) via WhatsApp: 073 030 2909 or by e-mail: nc@agarchery.co.za