| Archery is a sport that is open to athletes even with a | | | | Quadriplegics may have an assistant to help place the |
| physical disability. Even though this sport is very | | | | arrow in the bow, but verbal advice is against the rules. |
| physically demanding, it is one sport that disabled | | | | Although outsiders may initially think the rules should be |
| athletes can compete on an equal basis with | | | | more lenient for the disabled, people participating in |
| able-bodied people. In fact wheelchair target archery | | | | wheelchair archery appreciate the opportunity to be |
| has been a Paralympic sport for more than 30 years, | | | | treated as another other sportsperson. The thrill of |
| and still going strong. | | | | competing, participating in sports, and healthy exercise |
| There are of course, specific rules relating to | | | | should not be diminished. Wheelchair archery provides |
| wheelchair competitors. However all other rules of | | | | an enjoyable diversion from the frustrating challenges |
| competition are the same with able-bodied target | | | | of living a disabled life. For a time, wheelchair archery |
| archery. The difference is that wheelchair archers are | | | | levels the playing field, and the handicapped are vital |
| divided into 2 different classes whereas there are | | | | and alive, like everyone else. |
| other classifications for standing archers. Wheelchair | | | | Wheelchair archery is not simply a sport to the |
| archers compete in either W1 for quadriplegic archers | | | | wheelchair bound athletes; wheelchair archery is also a |
| that allow them to use a release mechanism, or W2 | | | | chance to be normal, a boost in self-esteem, an |
| which is open to all wheelchair archers. In recent years, | | | | opportunity to get some much-needed exercise, and |
| wheelchair archery is becoming an increasingly popular | | | | an activity to add adventure to the restrictive life of |
| sport for the wheelchair bound athletes. | | | | the disabled. Instead of sitting on the sidelines and |
| For many disabled individuals, wheelchair archery does | | | | always cheering on other athletes, wheelchair target |
| not require any special accessories like a sports | | | | archery allows the physically challenged unique |
| wheelchair. However, some people prefer to remove | | | | occasions to hear cheers from the benches. |
| the armrest to improve aim. For others, a recurve | | | | In summary, live life to the fullest, despite physically |
| 48-inch bow is recommended because the bow is | | | | handicapped. Wheelchair archery is an excellent |
| lighter and easier to control. For persons with little arm | | | | competitive sport for anyone, regardless of ability, |
| strength, devices to help hold the bow may be allowed. | | | | especially if you are up for a challenge. |