A SPORT that combines an ancient art of warfare with a game that involves throwing soft, bouncy balls at your opponent has launched into action in Llandyrnog.
Archery tag, a mix of archery and dodgeball, calls on two teams of up to 16 players to draw back their bows whilst dodging enemy arrows in a battle to be the last standing.
Archery has origins in the early Stone Age, around 10,000 BC, when Egyptians used bows and arrows in hunting and warfare. But it was reinvented in the home country of dodgeball, the United States, in 2011 by combining the two sports in the form of foam-tipped arrows and dodgeball rules, which has spread to 170 locations around the world, including the Netherlands, Russia and Singapore.
North Wales now has its own archery tag centre after Tim Atyeo, from Denbigh, realised there was nothing like it in the area and the benefits it could have for vulnerable people who need to build their confidence.
Mr Atyeo, owner of Target Activities which started at the Llandyrnog Sports Pavilion on April 30, plans to make archery tag the go-to place for stag and hen do’s, children's birthday parties and elderly people wanting to have active fun.
Tim Atyeo worked as the activities officer for Highfield Park Mental Health Centre residency for 11 years. Picture: Geoff Abbott
Mr Atyeo said: “Archery tag is so much fun for people of all ages and abilities but, because it is fairly new, many people don’t know about it.
“Bows, arrows and protective equipment are provided in a dodgeball-style game in which two teams of between six and 16 people line up.
“Both teams then have to run from the back of the arena to the centre, where they pick up their arrows. There are then inflatable obstacles to hide behind while you get ready to fire, and they provide shelter from enemy arrows.
“Once you are hit, you are taken out of the game. If you catch an enemy’s arrow, then a member of your team is back in the game.
“The standard rules are that when all the players in one team are taken out, the team with players still standing wins. But there are other games such as capture the flag or free-for-all.”
As well as providing party packages, Mr Atyeo, who worked as the activities officer for Highfield Park Mental Health Centre residency in Llandyrnog for 11 years, hopes the sport will help people with learning difficulties and disabilities have fun and build confidence.
“I have a professional background in mental health, having looked after and helped organised activities for people with disabilities and learning difficulties,” he said.
“Archery tag is useful to help learn communication skills and build confidence. It can take there being an element of risk to build confidence, which there is in archery tag, but it is also safe as well as being something different.
“It can be adapted to suit people who cannot run, for those in a wheelchair for example, while there is walking archery tag for the elderly, which is similar to walking football.
“I have taken a massive risk and put all my eggs in one basket, but I’m confident it will take off.”
Two-hour sessions cost £20 per person. Minimum of participants is six, maximum 16. Ages nine to 65+ can take part.
For more information visit the Target Activities website or contact Tim Atyeo by calling 01745 812449 or 07485 156299.
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