Course helps students aim high at archery events

The Lao Archery Federation is aiming to hit a bull's-eye in their preparations for the SEA Games in December.

They are holding training courses for 50 students of the National University of Laos Dongdok campus from September 16-19, run by the Vice President of the International Archery Federation (IAF) and President of the South East Asia Archery Federation, Mr Sanguan Kosavinta.

This training course runs for four days, focusing on the rules of shooting, theory and performance in the field, and will equip the students with everything they need to act as assistants at the games.

Activities comprise of installing the target, reporting the event result and collating the points for each match.

Mr Sanguan said the students will be ready to represent Laos in the games after the course.

He said two archery trainers will be sent from Thailand to teach the Lao trainers for one month to help develop the Lao archery team, while twelve Lao archers will improve their tactics in Thailand in the lead-up to the games.

The students will become assistants to referees and will receive certificates after finishing the training course.

He said 10 Thai officials are also ready to assist the LAF in holding the event.

Mr Sanguan believes the Lao team will be a strong contender for a medal at the home event.

Vice President of the LAF, Mr Kasem Inthara, said he was confident the students will be able to assist at the games, even though they lack prior experience.

The LAF lacks officials to help referees during archery competitions, prompting it to hold the training course for the students.

Currently, the LAF has a qualified referee, Mr Sonepaseuth Xayavong, who will join in presiding over the archery event. He has attended training courses in Thailand and Myanmar in the past and has received a certificate from the International Archery Federation.

Mr Kasem said some referees from neighbouring countries will also assist in umpiring the archery event.

He said training courses will also be held for referees in Vientiane in preparation for the event.

 

By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
September 18, 2009

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