1st Asean Youth Archery meet opens in Cebu City

AIMING to provide a vehicle for youth competition for the sport in the region, World Archery Philippines is hosting the 1st Asean Youth Archery Championships opening today at the Dynamic Herb Sports Complex in Cebu City.

Over 200 archers from Chinese-Taipei, Iran, India, Singapore, Thailand and host Philippines will see action in the three-day age group tournament supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Cebu City Government and Cebu City Sports Commission.

Considered a world powerhouse, the Taiwanese have the largest foreign contingent with five teams, according to WAP secretary general Dondon Sombrio, who cited WAP president Atty. Clint Aranas for giving his all-out support for the international tourney.

“We are focusing on Olympic re- curve and compound target archery,” Sombrio said. “There will be competition in the Under-10, Under-15, Under-18 and Under-21 age groups in both boys and girls divisions.”

“This tournament fills a gap for much needed foreign exposure not only for our young archers but also for others in the region,” explained national youth coach Nino Sinco for organizing the event also backed by Dynamic Herb Sports and E.R. Sevilla Industrial and Development Corporation.

“The only major international youth events we have are the biannual World Archery Youth Championships and the