As reported in the Daily Bulletin, the Kimberley Archery Team sent three girls to Edmonton, Alberta to compete in The Canada Cup; Canada’s second most important national tournament. The girls brought home three medals: two gold and a silver, in the youth age compound bow classes (14-16yrs.) While there, local resident, Darby Dean (16), qualified to represent Canada at the World Championships held in China, this coming October.
Since that time, Dean solidified her credentials with a win as Best Overall Archer and a gold medal at the Canadian Championships in New Brunswick.
Altogether six competitors from Kimberley and Cranbrook have qualified to attend the Youth World Championships in Waxi, China —two from Kimberley, Darby Dean and Curtis Mummery, and four from Cranbrook, Brittany Johnson, Adam Pitney, Krista Pitney and Graeme Black — but given the expense involved only three will attend. That would be Dean, Adam Pitney and Brittany Johnson.
Archery is not a big money sport and the cost of attending many of the championships is born by the competitor.
Friends and supporters of Darby are raising funds for the trip and a trust fund has been set up at Kootenay Savings for anyone wishing to donate.
She has also written to Kimberley City Council asking for support (see related story) saying “We believe this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to expand our radius, travel outside of Canada and set an example for youth athletes to achieve their goals and dreams. Our devoted passion to archery has brought us high recognition and we will proudly represent Canada at the 2013 Youth World championship in Wuxi, China this coming October.: