Windhoek — A team of 12 archers, their coach and some family members late last month left for Miramar, Argentina to participate in the World Field Archery Championships (WFAC), where they enjoyed some mixed fortunes.

The entourage had to fly to Buenos Aires' Ezeze Airport via Johannesburg followed by a 7-hour bus trip from Buenos Aires to Miramar. Two ranges were put up in a beautiful forest at the end of the town, close to a public recreation area with restaurants and other amenities, easily reached by 'remise' or taxi.

A 'remise' is the word for 'mini-cab' - these do not have meters, and the fare is negotiated with the office of the mini-cab company at the time of the booking.

Namibia participated in the five-day event with compound bows in five categories, namely: AMBU (adult male bow hunter unlimited); AMFU (adult male freestyle unlimited); JMBU (junior male bow hunter unlimited); JMFU (junior male freestyle unlimited and AFFU (adult female freestyle unlimited).

Gert van der Merwe (Sparta Club) AMFU B class achieved a bronze medal, while Henk van den Berg (Sparta Club) ended in fourth place. Piere Chamberlain (Windhoek Field Archery Club) achieved a silver medal in the JMBU class.

Strong competition from South Africa and Australia left Namibia in 5th place in the JMFU class with Ruan van Staaden (SKW), while Joubert Snyman (SKW) ended in sixth and Hendrik van Eeden (Northern Archery Club) in 7th place. Gúnther Woortman (SKW) achieved a 7th place spot in the AMFU class and Rene Chamberlain (Windhoek Field Archery Club) an 8th place in the AMBU class.