2024 AGA Archery Tournament hits the mark

Danie van der Lith|Published 7 months ago

The 2024 AG Archery National Tournament was a standout event on South Africa’s archery calendar, bringing together enthusiasts from all corners of the country. Held at the SANDF 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment in Diskobolos, Kimberley, Northern Cape, this year's tournament welcomed an impressive 1,050 participants, making it one of the most anticipated and well-attended competitions in recent years. Picture: Danie van der Lith

The 2024 AG Archery National Tournament was a standout event on South Africa’s archery calendar, bringing together enthusiasts from all corners of the country.

Held at the SANDF 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment in Diskobolos, Kimberley, Northern Cape, this year’s tournament welcomed an impressive 1,050 participants, making it one of the most anticipated and well-attended competitions in recent years.

The event was a celebration of the ancient art of archery, with participants engaging in various competitions that showcased their skills and precision.

The Bull’s Eye Championships took place in three massive Defence Force hangars, with 32 archers competing simultaneously in each, ensuring a fast-paced tournament that remained right on schedule.

Archers from across the country came to compete against each other to see who has the sharpest eye in sport. Picture: Danie van der Lith

For the 3D Championships, participants took to the Regiment Soccer Field, where they tested their accuracy on life-sized targets in a challenging outdoor setting.

The 3D section of the event is always a crowd favourite, as it resembles life size animal. Picture: Danie van der Lith

In addition to the archery competitions, the tournament provided an exciting atmosphere for both competitors and spectators. Over 2,500 people, including archers and their supporters, were treated to warm hospitality, complete with local cuisine provided by AGA Northern Cape and an array of food stalls.

This combination of sport and community spirit made the event a memorable experience for all involved.

A key figure behind the smooth running of the event was Major Clive Adonis, the second in command at the Regiment. Major Adonis played a crucial role in organising and managing the tournament, working closely with Dawid de Greeff, AGA-NC Provincial Coordinator and event organiser.

Their efforts ensured the efficient setup and dismantling of both the indoor and outdoor archery ranges. Major Adonis also had the honour of presenting the tournament’s prize medals and trophies, including a newly-introduced floating trophy named in honour of the Regiment, which was well-received by the archery community.

The tournament spanned four days and featured three main competitions: the Inter-Provincial Championship, the Adult Archery Generation Championship, and the Inter-Schools Championship.

One of the highlights was the strong showing from the Northern Cape archers, particularly in the Inter-Schools Championship. Local talents brought home three medals, with Du Toitspan Primary’s Thespo Moeketsi winning silver in the Grade Six Boys category. In the Grade Nine Girls category, Fathima Mustapha of THS Kimberley earned a silver medal, while homeschooler Tru Shaw took home the bronze.

Archers had to have the eyes of a hawk to make sure that they hit their targets in the right place to score the most points. Picture: Danie van der Lith

AGA-NC expressed their heartfelt congratulations to all winners and thanked the participants and supporters who made the trip to Kimberley for this prestigious event.

They extended their appreciation to sponsors, including the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade, and Investment Promotion Agency, the Northern Cape Sport and Recreation Authority, MANZI Water Kimberley, SuperSport Schools, and the dedicated volunteers from AGA-NC who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of the tournament.

The 2024 AG Archery National Tournament will be remembered not only for its high level of competition but also for the sense of camaraderie and community it fostered, making it one of the most remarkable events in the sport’s recent history in South Africa.