POST Staff
A major planning operation for the 2019 World 3D Archery Championships in Lac La Biche County is getting under way. Next year’s August 31-September 7 event – expected to draw hundreds of archers from around the world – will be run by volunteers and a contracted co-ordinator.
Last Thursday, a group of community-minded peoplemet in the Community Futures Board Room to begin
the first steps of planning. At the head of the table was Rene Schaub, president of Archery Alberta and Lakeland Archers Club. Others present included the county’s economic development manager Jana Rowe, County recreation manager Darrell Lessmeister, councillor Colin Cote; Mayor Omer Moghrabi; the Rotary Club’s Brydon Ward, Schaub’s wife Pauline, and Lac La Biche and District Chamber of Commerce executive director Susanne Onciul-Pich. Portage College, representatives, along withhotel and media representatives were also at the opening meeting.
Smallest host by a long shot
Schaub spoke of the task facing organizers; the smallest community to host the championships previously
had a population of 120,000. Last year, they were held in France, attracting 318 archers from 31 countries and four continents. Four hundred hotel rooms were required. Transportation and accommodation presented some of the biggest challenges, said Schaub.
“I have full confidence we can do it. What we need is a bigger heart instead of more people.”
Schaub, who is going to Sweden this month to observe the organization of the European 3D Archery
Championship, sketched out what he had in mind so far for the event. This included:
* August 31 and September 1: arrival of delegations, practice fields available;
*September 2 opening ceremony, with a big parade assembling by the Catholic Church, going along Lakeshore Drive and ending at the Gazebo;
*Parade participants giving flags to children; introduction of countries; appearance of dignitaries, including
Mayor, MLA and MPs; local entertainment, with indigenous performers; partial air show by the water front;
*Bold Center to be used as an athletes’ village;
*Lac La Biche Mission historical site a possible venue for championship finals;
*Special souvenir gifts for athletes – perhaps indigenous crafts designed by Portage College artisan students;
*September 6: Gala banquet and entertainment in Devon Room, Bold Center;
*Billet families to accommodate volunteers
Schaub said there was great excitement about the championships coming to Lac La Biche.
“The whole nation is behind us,” he said.
Lessmeister said a planning committee chaired by Schaub would need to be formed. Expected positions would be: vice-chair; secretary; communication and promotion; finance; facilities, equipment; transport and tours; programming and events; food services; accommodations; sponsorship and advertising; and volunteers. Subcommittees of three to six members would also be needed. Lessmeister said Lac La Biche
County had allocated $1.3 million to the development of an archery facility at the shooting range.
“Rene is working with Lac La Biche County to have this building completed by May 2019,” he said, adding that the County and Lakeland Archers Club were resubmitting an application for a $550,000
Community Facility Enhancement Program grant to support the capital development of the archery building. “We will also be applying for a major cultural and sport event grant through Community Initiatives Program. We can apply for a maximum of $250,000 to support the event.”
