Archery coach Vladimir Kopecky has coached at every level, from regional to world championships to Paralympics, but every win by one of his students is a thrill. This past weekend, Kopecky led a contingent of five Kimberley shooters to the provincial championships in Cranbrook, and all five athletes medalled.
Darby Dean led the way with a gold medal. this is the second provincial championship for Darby, who has also been invited to represent Canada at the World Youth Championships in China next fall.
“That’s a big deal,” says coach Kopecky.
Curtis Mummery took a silver, and his dad, Chris, a newcomer to the sport, won his class. another family affair, the Krawenchuc’s, from Marysville saw daughter Jessica win a bronze and dad Richard, a bronze as well.
Kopecky, who has coached disabled Jaffrey archer Kevin Evans to world championships, has been invited to go to Winnipeg this month to speak to soldiers wounded in Afghanistan about his work with Paralympic athletes, and how he has taught them to compete despite disabilities.