Robert Turner joins World Archery as Oceania development agent

Robert Turner started in a new role with World Archery as development agent for Oceania on 1 February 2018 as part of a joint initiative with Global Sport Development to focus archery’s growth objectives across the continent.

“I am very excited about working with a great group of people throughout the region and look forward to seeing archery continue to grow in Oceania,” said Turner.

“I have been lucky enough to work with various countries in the region and understand some of the difficulties they face. [I hope to bring] a real passion for the sport and this region [to my new role].”

The 36-year-old Australian-born coach, who lives in Auckland, New Zealand, was previously a semi-professional archer with the Australian Institute of Sport, competing regionally and internationally before gaining coaching credentials with New Zealand, USA, Australia and Chinese Taipei.

He also has experience as a tournament director, judge and manager of a large archery facility in the United States. 

One of the goals of Robert’s role, aside from helping member associations to improve their governance structures with World Archery’s new Targeting Gold initiative, will be to grow the number of children participating in the sport across Oceania.

A second phase of the long-term project will be to progress these young people to national team level, effectively raising the competitive level of emerging archery nations within the continent.

The hiring of Robert comes one year after World Archery named Algerian coach Khaled Sofiane Lamandé as development agent for Africa.

The Foundation for Global Sports Development supports initiatives that promote fair play, education and the physical and developmental benefits of sport for youths around the world.

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