Archery enthusiasts convened for the event that marked the second instalment of the 3Di Challenge organised by the NC 3Di co-ordinator, John Filmalter.
The twang of the bowstrings of nearly 40 archers from various bow classes reverberated around the picturesque landscapes just outside Kimberley when the eagerly anticipated Diamond 3D Challenge was held over the weekend of August 26-27 at Marrick Safaris.
From the expansive reaches of the Northern Cape to the distant locales of Kathu and Gauteng, archery enthusiasts convened for the event that marked the second instalment of the 3Di Challenge organised by the NC 3Di co-ordinator, John Filmalter.
Filmalter’s tireless efforts to nurture the archery community have borne fruit in the form of growing independence. During the event, Filmalter expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the 3D archers who not only participated but also generously contributed towards acquiring and sponsoring the Northern Cape 3D Archery’s inaugural set of six LifeSize 3D targets.
The procurement of these targets marked a significant milestone as it allowed the event to be self-sufficient, liberating it from having to source targets from other organisations outside the Province.
With only 14 more 3Di targets on the wishlist, 3D Northern Cape inches closer to its goal of becoming a fully autonomous organiser. This achievement signifies a coming of age for the local archery community, and its influence is set to grow far beyond the borders of the province.
In the midst of the excitement, the indefatigable efforts of Dawid de Greeff, the AGA-NC co-ordinator, came into focus. De Greeff expressed his profound gratitude to the event and its organisers for their role in nurturing and expanding Northern Cape archery. He commended the event’s role in establishing a burgeoning love for the sport, further strengthening the region’s archery pedigree alongside the African Genesis Archery South Africa (AGA-NC) federation.
The 3Di event’s unique format entails traversing a 3D range adorned with lifelike animal targets positioned at variable distances. With diverse bow classes, visual aids, and shooting techniques, archers have to utilise extreme precision and strategy to maximise their score.
As the sun set on last weekend’s event, archers no doubt departed with accomplishments and memories etched into their memories. The Diamond 3D Challenge, beyond being a mere contest of skill, emerged as a testament to the enduring allure of archery and the profound bonds it weaves among kindred spirits.
The 3Di event’s results mirror the diversity and prowess of the participating archers. Here is a breakdown of the results:
Senior Master Class Aided: John Filmalter (gold)
Genesis Bows Class: Elrize de Greeff (gold), Lilly Heuwel (silver), Tru Shaw (bronze)
Adult Archery Class: Dawid de Greeff (gold), Henk van der Schyff (silver), Kevin Ponton (bronze)
Female Hunter Class: Renita Foure (gold)
Female Hunter Class Aided: Odette Victor (gold)
Hunter Class: Sven Hoeble (gold), Riaan Moller (silver), Chris Foure (bronze)
Youth Male Release 12–14: Ardu Foure (Gold)
Aided Open: Junior Fourie (gold), Wimpie Jacobs (silver), Lain Paterson (bronze)
For those who wish to embark on their own archery journey, Dawid de Greeff stands ready as a guide and advocate, beckoning newcomers to experience the exhilaration of the sport.
For inquiries about joining the archery community as an individual or family, interested parties can contact Dawid at 073 030 2909 or send an e-mail to [email protected]
The De Greeffs strike gold
The 3Di archery event held last weekend was a crucible of competition, with AGA-NC archers contending across various classes. A notable standout was the de Greeff family Dawid, his wife Annemarie, and their daughter Elrize – who clinched gold medals in their respective categories.
In a conversation with the DFA, Dawid described the sense of exhilaration he and his family experienced during the competition. He underscored the unique blend of friendly competition and mutual encouragement that archery fosters among competitors. The sport not only beckons personal growth but also cultivates an enduring sense of community.
The de Greeff family’s journey into archery during the recent pandemic’s gloom has blossomed into a remarkable saga of dedication and passion. Beyond their personal pursuits, they have embraced roles as torchbearers for the sport, tirelessly promoting and expanding its reach.
Their contributions span the spectrum from coaching and instruction to organisational responsibilities within the African Genesis Archery Federation.
Dawid currently serves as the Secretary of the African Genesis Archery Federation, as the co-ordinator of AGA Northern Cape, and is a member of the National Adult Team. Annemarie serves as a qualified basic archery instructor and range official at inter-school/inter-club, provincial, and national competitions and tournaments, while young Elrize serves as an assistant during archery coaching sessions during the week.
“We as a family have fond memories of travelling to Askham together with the Northern Cape Department of Sport last year to introduce archery to people in remote areas of South Africa,” Dawid told the DFA. “Archery is such an inclusive sport that it offers anyone, including physically disabled people, the opportunity to enjoy and achieve in a sport,” he added.
