The final archery championship of the 2022 season took place on January 22 in Pater. It brought together a dozen seasoned competitors from all categories. More than a sport, the players take this discipline to heart, for the calm and serenity it provides.
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“Focused and controlled”, these are the main qualities of an archery champion, says Atonia Maitia, vice-president of the Polynesian Federation. On the large field at Pater, the competitors are indeed imperturbable: we must not miss the target, placed several meters away.
Only the seasoned shooters remain, at the last stage of the 2022 championship. Among them, Atonia Maitia, vice-president of the Polynesian Archery Federation, who has been practicing for 10 years in a wheelchair. Victim of an accident in 2009, archery allowed him to live better with his handicap. “It’s a sport that relieves me, that pushes me to be mobile. As a PMR [personne à mobilité réduite, ndlr], that suits me. It was an accident I had 13 years ago.” does he describe.
Worthy
Around Atonia, all the competitors are united. Because beyond the game, humility is at the heart of discipline. This is what prompted Vaiani Vanque, assistant treasurer of the federation and member of the Te’ahau club, to take up archery. “It is serenity. There is kindness in our sport. We have a huge piece of land with the river next to it, it really brings fullness and serenity”. she confides.
If the Federation struggles to integrate new members, Mayli is an exception. At 11, she followed in her father’s footsteps and shot her first arrow. Today, she is 21 years old and all of a champion. “Since I was little I have been accompanying [mon frère et mon père] to competitions. (…) It’s a sport of concentration, you have to keep calm” asks the young woman.
The Polynesian Archery Federation organizes introductory courses in Pater, every Wednesday and Friday afternoon. Everyone can participate.