The first thing that impressed was the organisation. Even though the security was similar to airport level, everyone was smiling and welcoming. Once inside we were cheerfully directed towards our seats and settled there ready for the archery session to begin.
The big screens, the useful explanations of what was going to happen - after all it's important to recognise that many people there might be experiencing archery for the first time - together with a truly intimate feeling much like being at, say, Wimbledon, ensured every audience member felt part of what was happening.
The venue was really well set up using the backdrop of the Lord's building to maximum effect. Congratulations to the hard working team who made all this happen.
When Larry Godfrey came out we were treated to a very exciting couple of matches where audience participation gave the occasion an extra lift. I was impressed by the support Larry was given by a group of GB archers that were in the audience. The whole arena and, I imagine, Larry too, took a boost from this!
Talking to friends and family who watched the event but have no other connection to archery, they saw the possibilities of mass viewing for our sport for the first time, seeing it as something that they could watch, enjoy and understand alongside sports more regularly seen on TV. They mentioned the input of Liz Mynott more than once, suggesting that she gave clarity to the TV coverage (which we enjoyed in the later part of the week back at home). This suggests a broader reach for archery and underlines the events success looking towards the future.
What a great week.
David and Elaine Randall
Archery GB is sponsored by Foresters Friendly Society
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