In Para archery, athletes test their precision by shooting an arrow as close as possible to the centre of the target from a distance of 50 or 70 metres. They might hold the arrow with hooks, straps, or even their mouths and find creative ways to make archery work for their bodies. Archers can compete with a recurve or compound bow, shoot standing or seated in a stool or wheelchair.

 

The recurve bow is the modern evolution of traditional bows while the compound bow features mechanical pulleys, telescopic sights and release aids to assist accuracy.

 

Archers compete with a recurve bow in the recurve open category and with a compound bow in the compound open category. In addition, Para archery also has a W1 category for athletes with impairments in both the top and bottom halves of their body.

 

The size of the target differs depending on the distance. In recurve events, a 122cm target is used at a distance of 70m, while an 80cm target is used at 50m in the compound competitions. The target in W1 events is 80cm and is shot from 50m.

 

All archers start by shooting 72 arrows to decide who goes head-to-head and advance by winning the most sets or achieving the highest cumulative score. The best archers can balance their bodies and concentration, and fight against the weather or noise.

 

Archers can compete in individual or mixed team events.

 

World Archery is the global governing body of Para archery.  Archery Association of Hong Kong, China is  the member of World Archery in Hong Kong, China. Sports Association for the Physically Disabled of Hong Kong, China is the organisation authorised for elite development of Para Archery in Hong Kong, China.

 

Source of information credit: International Paralympic Committee