Commonwealth Archery Championship, India

News Flash: 10th November 2006

Some of the pictures taken at the innauguration ceremony, including the Scottish Team!

News Flash: 8th November 2006

News from India is sparse at the moment as mobile phones appear to be unreliable or difficult to use and we have only had one email back so far.

The Scots are all well with accommodation being mixed (the girls only seem to have one working shower amongst them, and you can imagine what a disaster that is). Food is a mix of Indian and "European" which is proving a mixed blessing a challenge, and has affected some of the other teams (even cheese spread appears to be highly spiced). Bottled water is however plentiful.

The "international" bit of competing is starting to kick in with some Scots finding themselves on targets with some of the world's best (59, 59, 59 shooters).

Off-field entertainment appears to be in plenty for the ladies as they have had lots of photos taken with several groups of the young men who entertained them with dancing in the morning. There seem to be no postcards or souvenirs available in Jamshedpur to bring back for loved ones.

The Archery Association of India is starting to publish information on the event at its web site http://www.archeryassociationofindia.org/

News Flash: 4th November 2006

Good bye and good luck to the team! All members of the team managed to get to the airport on time this morning. Apart from Norrie having a minor personal crisis by losing his wallet!, the team were in good spirits and confident mood.

Some of the pictures of their last training session.
Some pictures from the airport of the teams before they left.

News Flash: 3rd November 2006

Thank you from The Team We'd like to express our gratitude to all who helped contribute to staggering sum of £4500 that has now been raised towards the Team travelling to India to compete in The Commonwealth Cup. Whether you shouted out the ticket numbers at a raffle, donated a prize, shook a bucket, organised a quiz, or dug deep into your pocket, a resounding thank you from us all.

Certainly for so many of us to get the chance to gain this valuable international experience would not have been possible without the extra funds.

From you, its not just the money from the Scottish Archery community and beyond that we are grateful for, your donations underline the support that is behind us. As we finish our last week of preparation and through the event we will carry this thought with us and will do our best to "Do you proud".

From the Team - Matt, Simon, Jamie, Hazel, Emma, Lana, Lorna, Andrew, Alistair, Derek, Elayne, Becky and Muriel.
and Team Managers Norrie and Bob.

News Flash: 7th October 2006

First team training session a success! Organised and coordinated by Bill Mackay, All 15 members of the Scottish Team met at Bathgate sports centre today to carry out team shooting training and also get advice on rules, medical matters, equipment and a variety of other topics. Additional guests made an appearance to offer advice and guidance, including ex-British Team manager and experienced international archer Moira Taylor. Very gusty conditions and continuously varying light levels gave the archers excellent practice in shooting under adverse conditions under the time pressure of team rounds, but the team battled through to show considerable talent and determination.

Some quotes from the team: "It will be a lot of hard work, but I know we'll enjoy the experience" - Bob provan. "I'm delighted to be here, it's a privelege" - Derek McAulay. "All I ask is for the team to put in 100%... I can't ask for more" - Simon Needham. "It's going to be a great trip. We have a very good chance of getting a good result" - Andrew Ward. "I'm lucky to be part of a Gents Compund team which is incredibly strong" - Alastair Whittingham. "It's a fantastic opportunity. I'm really pleased to be on the team which I think is really strong" - Matt Nowicki. "Archery is my profession, my life. This is a great chance to go to India as a Scottish Team" - Lana Needham

Some of the pictures from the event can be found here.

News Flash: 24th September 2006

Fourth newsletter issued - read how Scottish Archery has smashed through the target of £3,000!

News Flash: 19th September 2006

The SAA team has been announced, as follows:

News Flash: 13th September 2006

I have received several contacts from archers who have been selected to go to India, that the cost is now £500 instead of the initial report of £350. The actual contribution paid by archers to the SAA will be no more than £400. This includes the additional nights accommodation in India which was requested by the majority but not all of the archers that I spoke to. This additional time will extend the period for archers to acclimatise and provide an extra days practice. The additional £100 that makes up the costs is the projected 'hidden cost' for Visa application, travel insurance and inoculations & anti-malarial medication. The total cost was brought to the attention of these archers when informed of their selection and was only for their information as to the extent of spend for this trip and not to scare them into thinking costs had increased (spending money will be extra and up to each archer as to how much they should take with them). Now that we are entering the next phase towards the event, which will involve team days, we in the management team, intend putting together as much information that is considered relevant to ensure that the archers representing the SAA in India are informed and given the opportunity to prepare for this event.

Norrie McLean, SAA Team Manager

News Flash: 8th September 2006

Third newsletter issued.

News Flash: 25th August 2006

• Accommodation has been confirmed as covering from 6th to morning of 12th November. This includes all meals.
• We are seeking a quote from Emirates flying out on 4th and returning 12 November.
• If we go early accommodation will cost $50 US per night per person. Based on the tentative dates I have given this would mean us having to pay for two extra nights - this will be essential to allow practice and acclimatisation.
• The following have confirmed their attendance: Australia, Bangladesh, England, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Scotland and Wales.

News Flash: 18th August 2006

Second newsletter issued.

News Flash: 11th August 2006

Update from India received.

News Flash: 8th August 2006

This information is intended for all archers who consider that they may make selection for the SAA team to travel to India between 4th and 12 November 2006. I have received some medical advice relating to vaccinations required for the part of India we are traveling to (near Calcutta).

The following vaccinations are recommended: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A and Typhoid. It is important that you take appropriate anti-malaria medication. Yellow Fever is not required for that area unless you have come from or have passed through an infected area.

As the date for traveling is getting closer, those archers who consider that they may make the SAA team should consult their GP's as soon as possible and discuss their medical requirements. It should also be noted that the above inoculations are only the ones that are recommended from the source I have used. I would advise that the best person to advise you will either be your GP or a designated nurse at your medical practice. This list is not exhaustive and other treatments may also be advised.

I've now had my injections which cost £10 (Diphtheria, Hep A & Typhoid - 1 injection; diphtheria, tetanus& polio - 1 injection. I'll be getting my Anti Malaria tablets over the counter from the chemist (to be taken 1 week before, during the trip and 4 weeks after return from India).

Norrie McLean, SAA Team Manager

News Flash: 4th August 2006

First newsletter issued.

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