Great Britain will be represented in horseback archery at the World Nomad Games for the first time when the event gets underway in Kyrgyzstan on Monday 31 August.
Becca Sweetman, Kristina Schapiro, Christine Crew and Heath Buck have been selected by the British Horseback Archery Association (BHAA) to represent Great Britain at the World Nomad Games, a seven-day multi-sport event which brings together thousands of athletes, performers and visitors from around the world to showcase traditional sports from across inner Asia.
Horseback archery, which involves riders shooting arrows at targets while riding at speed and combines equestrian skill, athleticism and precision, has deep historical roots across Asia, North America, the Middle East and Europe and its popularity has grown rapidly in the UK over the past decade.
Other sports taking place during the biennial event include different types of wrestling, falconry and board games like Oreo which is a tactical game similar to curling or bocce using sheep and goat bones.
‘Incredibly proud’
“This is a landmark moment for horseback archery in Great Britain. To have a British team attending the World Nomad Games for the very first time is something we are incredibly proud of,” said Amy Kilpin, chair of the British Horseback Archery Association.
“Horseback archery is a sport with deep historical roots, and nowhere is that heritage celebrated more vividly than at the World Nomad Games.
“It’s a unique opportunity for our riders not only to represent British horseback archery, but also to be part of an international celebration of the traditions and cultures that shaped the sport we enjoy today.
“We hope their participation inspires more people in the UK to discover horseback archery and the remarkable history behind it.”
The British Horseback Archery Association, the sport’s national governing body, supports clubs and competitors across the country and has worked to develop pathways from grassroots participation through to international competition.
The World Nomad Games take place in Kyrgyzstan from Monday 31 August – Sunday 7 September.
Image of Kristina Schapiro © Claudine Collesson.
