Archery GB backs sport to be included in Commonwealth Games
BySportsbeat
Published 20/12/2018 at 16:55 GMT
Archery GB is calling for archery to feature at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games after putting forward a bid for its inclusion as an additional optional sport.
Eurosport
Image credit: Eurosport
The organisation revealed it has presented a proposal for archery's inclusion to the Additional Sports Review Panel along with representatives from World Archery and Archery England.
Focusing on archery's accessibility as a world-class spectator sport, the bid highlighted its inclusivity, its wide appeal as a grass-roots activity and the opportunity to deliver a strong post-Games legacy.
Archery GB CEO Neil Armitage believes the addition of the sport, which has featured just twice before in 1982 and 2010, could have a similar impact to the London 2012 Olympics.
"We are excited by the prospect of archery being added to the sport programme of the 2022 Commonwealth Games," said Armitage.
"Projects are already running to connect archery with communities in Birmingham and the West Midlands, and inclusion would be a catalyst to expand these initiatives and inspire people to take up the sport.
"Archery captured the imagination of British sporting fans during the London 2012 Olympic Games and we hope to recapture that spirit in 2022."
The bid also included Aston Hall as a suggested competition venue, with the 17th-century building and grounds located less than two miles from the city centre.
It raised the possibility of establishing an archery club at the location, plus plans to put in place a regional representative to drive archery's development in the Midlands.
Further legacy plans could see equipment from the tournament distributed to local clubs and a programme established to develop coaching overseas.
The decision on whether additional optional sports may be included is expected in early 2019. No further information on archery's proposal will be disclosed while the process is ongoing.
World Archery secretary general Tom Dielen said: "Archery's proposal to Birmingham 2022 featured an inclusive sport engagement programme that would build on the excitement that the Commonwealth Games generate.
"We see the Games as both a world-class competition and an opportunity to inspire future athletes across the Commonwealth."
Sportsbeat 2018
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement