Preview of the Paralympic Games archery competition

  The archery event of the London 2012 Paralympic Games runs from 31 August until the finals take place on 5 September at the Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich. This is where the shooting competition took place for the Olympic Games and the para shooting competitors will share the venue with the para-archers.   There are 88 male competitors and 52 females from some 23 countries in the para-archery competition. The numbers depend largely on the numbers of men/women competing in world championships and other major para-archery competitions.   Unlike the Olympic Games, some para-archers may use a compound bow. It is not exactly the same as the general compound bow, since no peep sight or scope is permitted and the draw weights are a maximum of 45lb for men and 35lb for women.   There are five events for men and four for women. These events are divided up into the various sport classes, that is, the level of disability determined by the classification process.   There are individual events for women and for men and the recurve team event for each.   Like archers seeking to confirm their places at the Olympic Games, athletes for the Paralympic Games also need to meet the minimum Qualifying Score. This ranges from 1000 for a FITA Round and 450 for a 70m Round through to 1200 and 600 for those shooting compound with a lesser disability.   Because the Paralympic Games rounds were determined before the World Archery Congress changed the Compound Round to one shot at 50m, these compound archers will continue to shoot the qualification and match play rounds at 70m on the 122cm face.   The standard of para-archery shooting has been very high over the last 18 months and some fierce competitions can be expected with Paralympic medals the prize.   The archery events will be televised and many countries will broadcast the event.   For the most up-to-date details go to www.worldarchery.org. Also check out You Tube, Facebook and Twitter for updates.   Carole A HICKS Para-Archery Committee