AN ARCHERY group brimming with Gloucestershire talent is in the running for a special accolade.
Deer Park Archers has been named as one of the finalists for the Going Green Award at the Sport and Recreation Alliance’s 2024 Community Sport and Recreation Awards.
Many talented young athletes from our area, including Cirencester-born Ella Gibson who is currently world number one in women's compound archery, train at the club.
Members practice at Balcarras School Sports Centre in Charlton Kings and Kingshill Sports Centre in Cirencester as well as the club's outdoor facilities in Shurdington.
Coaches will find out if their club has hit the mark and scooped up the award at the ceremony at Headingly Stadium in Leeds on Friday, March 8.
The award ceremony aims to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations involved in grassroots sport and recreation.
Deer Park Archers was nominated for the Going Green accolade because of the club's commitment to sustainability.
The club has installed solar panels on its grounds and uses recycled bows.
In addition, its field archery course was set up in an existing woodland and the club helps enhance the development of surrounding native flora and fauna.
Members are also encouraged to recycle target materials and to share lifts to training sessions and competitions.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Sport and Recreation Alliance CEO Lisa Wainwright congratulated all the nominees.
She said: "The Community Sport and Recreation Awards are a highlight of my year, where we get to recognise and reward the amazing work of people and organisations who contribute so much to sport and recreation and contribute so much to communities across the country.
"It is vitally important to us that we continue to celebrate these initiatives, given the significant societal benefits they bring, from mental health to inclusion and from sustainability to creating thriving places to live.
“I want to congratulate all the nominees on their fantastic achievements – the finalists have all done incredible work this year, and grassroots sport and recreation benefits immensely from their efforts.”
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