Silvertip Archers Need New Home

Thursday, May 17, 2007 08:07 PM

Silvertip Archers must move from 1st Avenue home

The oldest and largest archery club in Western Canada is in need of a new home. The Silvertip Archers of Prince George must find space for their flourishing indoor archery program. The upstairs facility at Budget Storage on First Avenue and Queensway is no longer available for local archers because of expansion plans. “It’s frustrating as a club to be on the move again (the second time in four years),” said Silvertip Archers president Andy Lakey. The Silvertip Archers Club made the most of an indoor facility that was two-thirds the size of their previous indoor archery range that was in the basement of the Yellowhead Inn before fire destroyed the building.

“The thought of not being here breaks my heart,” said long-time Silvertip Archers volunteer Carolyn Kelly.

The major focus of the Prince George archery club is the 6-month indoor program which attracts 150 Junior Olympic members and 100 adult members from ages 8 to 80. The Silvertip Archers outdoor range on Hi Way 16 East attracts a smaller number of archers during the summer.

“The summer season, won’t happen next year if we do not get an indoor facility,” said Silvertip Archers communication director Dawn Procter.

The small operating budget of the non-profit club restricts the options for securing space for local archers. “Ideally we need a dedicated space, but we will take what we can get,” said Procter.

The Silvertips Archers require a space of 4000 square feet with 10 to 12 foot ceiling height and washroom facilities.

Archery clubs in northern BC would be severely impacted if the Silvertip Archers cannot find an indoor range. Prince George archers provide welcomed competition and organizational support for the smaller archery programs.

A location for the Silvertip Archers is needed before September. If you can help contact Andy Lakey at 963-9421 or e-mail Dawn Procter at dawnprocter@telus.net

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