Wheelchair Archery – An Introduction To The Challenging Game

For disabled persons, life is a constant challenge. The everyday activities, most people take for granted, can be extremely frustrating and time consuming. Simply getting dressed is a major undertaking-every morning. Especially for individuals confined to a wheelchair after an accident, adjusting to life without walking can seem like a death sentence. Without hope and a sense of purpose, the wheelchair-bound have a sad quality of life. Thus, realizing the handicapped are quite capable of being productive and active member of society, the sports world has created many contests and sports events to specifically include the wheelchair-bound citizens. Amazing, wheelchair archery is becoming an increasingly popular sport for the able-bodied and the physically challenged.

For many disabled individuals, wheelchair archery does not require any special accommodations like a sports wheelchair. However, some people prefer to remove the armrest to improve aim. For others, a recurve 48-inch bow is recommended because the bow is lighter and easier to control. For persons with little arm strength, devices to help hold the bow may be allowed. Quadriplegics may have an assistant to help place the arrow in the bow, but verbal advice is against the rules.

Archery contests are for single, double, and group competitors. The contestants are in AR1 (standing archers), WAR1 (wheelchair archers with use of the upper extremities, and WAR2 (quadriplegics). Other than the minimal accommodations allowing handicapped competitors, the tournament rules are the same for standing and sitting archers. Disabled persons are quite capable of competing again their able-bodied opponents.

Although outsiders may initially think the rules should be more lenient for the disabled, people participating in wheelchair archery appreciate the opportunity to be treated as another other sportsperson. The thrill of competing, participating in sports, and healthy exercise should not be diminished. Wheelchair archery provides an enjoyable diversion from the frustrating challenges of living a disabled life. For a time, wheelchair archery levels the playing field, and the handicapped are vital and alive, like everyone else.

Wheelchair archery is not simply a sport to the handicapped. Wheelchair archery is a chance to be normal, a boost in self-esteem, an opportunity to get some much-needed exercise, and an activity to add adventure to the restrictive life of the disabled. Instead of sitting on the sidelines and always cheering on other athletes, wheelchair archery allows the physically challenged unique occasions to hear cheers from the benches.

In summary, live life to the fullest, despite physically handicapped. Wheelchair archery is an excellent competitive sport for anyone, regardless of ability. So, grab the wheels, or the joystick and enjoy life with the competitive sport of wheelchair archery.

Side note:

Archery Wheelchair 1 (ARW1): Archers in this class have a disability in their arms and legs (tetraplegia). They have limited range of movement, strength and control of their arms and poor or non-existing control of the trunk. The legs are considered non-functional, due to amputation and/or similar limitations of movement, strength and control. They compete in a wheelchair.

Archery Wheelchair 2 (ARW2): Archers in this class have paraplegia and limited mobility in the lower limbs. These athletes require a wheelchair for everyday use and compete in a wheelchair.

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