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Local archers aim for a bullseye

The Cranbrook Archery Club is preparing to send a number of its members to the B.C. Winter Games.

The Cranbrook Archery Club is preparing to send a number of its members to the B.C. Winter Games.

The club will be sending five athletes to the games in Mission, on Wednesday. Elaine Johnson, head coach for the Cranbrook Archery Club, said they've been busy getting ready for the competition.

"We have been having regular registered shoots to help the kids with competing in an intense atmosphere," Johnson said. "This will help them get used to the stress of competing. You never get used to it but you learn to deal with it better."

She explained that the Cranbrook Archery Club has anywhere from 35 to 45 kids participating in its youth program at one time depending on the time of year.

"The sport has taken off and it is wonderful to see so many youth experiencing this great sport," she said.

The five athletes that are going to the Games are: Jordan Adachi (compound) and Duncan Van der Roest (barebow) from Cranbrook, and  Katrina Romanowicz (compound), Jessica Krewenchuk (compound) and Jason Dekkers (compound) from Kimberley.

"The kids are shooting three to four days per week prepping for the Games," Johnson said. "We leave from the Cranbrook airport Wednesday night. I think reality is starting to sink in for the kids."

She said they are feeling nervous and excited as the anticipation of the event gets nearer. She added that this is also just the start for many of the young competitors.

"Sometimes they continue on with competitive archery and some settle back and relax and just shoot for fun," she said. "The whole experience with the BC Winter Games is amazing. There is nothing quite like it."

This is Johnson's fourth Games as head coach. George Terpsma will be attending as coach as well in his third year. Vladimir Kopecky coaches the three kids from Kimberley. They practice at least three times a week and two of them attend the Cranbrook club's regular registered shoots.

"The experience is nothing that they will ever have again," Johnson said. "It isn't just about the sport, it is about the gathering of kids their own age who share the love for the sport in a social setting as well as competitive setting."