It is a race against time for Point Fortin's first Home for Archery at Coronation Park, ahead of the opening day of the World Indoor Online Archery Series on November 21-22.
Key organiser Sherwin Francis is already part of a three-member team that also comprises former San Fernando Mayor Gerard Ferreira and Brianna Ali, to have registered for the event. However, many other teams are expected to register soon, he said, as the world event has only just been released to the public and people would register when they get to know about it.
The teams from countries around the world are required to compete at their respective indoor venue and then submit their scores to the body, World Archery.
Francis told Guardian Media Sports that a determination on where they will compete will depend on the number of participants for the event.
"For instance, if we have a large number of people taking part, then we can compete at the Tucker Valley Range in Chaguaramas. But if the numbers are small, then we can maybe have it at the soon-to-be-built Point Fortin Range. The piece of land situated next to Coronation Park, was recently given to us by the Point Fortin Borough Corporation, and we are now in the process of building our shooting home," Francis explained.
The man at the helm of the construction work, said they are currently in the process of seeking sponsorship and allocating people who can actually do the work. Francis believes a budget of approximately $150,000 should be sufficient to at least complete the shooting part of the archery home, as well as secure between seven to 10 target mats and targets.
Supported by his other members, Francis said the shooting platform will be 70 by 10 feet and will comprise a covered area and other miscellaneous things.
He noted that there are also intentions to refurbish a nearby pavilion which will be used by fans and supporters to catch a glimpse of the action at the range.
Apart from giving them the land to build the archery home, the Borough has also assisted them in cutting the grass regularly. Francis said they are seeking out people with expertise in construction etc, from the area, to help them further.
The event will be the first main competition to be held since the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic stopped sports indefinitely around the world. However, with the reopening of non-contact sports, Francis believes an opportunity exists for interested archery men and women to be involved in action.
He said at present local organisers have also begun an outdoor archery tournament, for which the scores are being done online, due to the coronavirus restrictions. Francis is also competing in this event, which will continue over the coming weekend.