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DEH CHO
Youth from the Deh Cho took over Fort Liard on Oct. 26 for a weekend of archery and target shooting.

Chad Bonnetrouge, front, and Jade Bonnetrouge aim for targets set up in Fort Liard's community hall. - photo courtesy of the Hamlet of Fort Liard

The Four Forts Challenge kicked off Friday with practice shooting followed by a day of competition and a Halloween dance in the evening.

Delaney Vandell, 13, had the highest archery score among the girls, with 51 points out of a possible 60. Her key to success, she said, was concentration.

"Just focus on yourself and take a deep breath before you shoot," the Fort Providence youth advised.

Youth participate from three communities

Tookie McLeod, who also had a score of 51, claimed the highest overall archery score after beating Vandell in a shoot-off at the end of the event. Dylan Steeves took home the title of best shot for the boys while Kaitlin Nelson took the title for the girls.

Steeves, 12, said he didn't practise much before the challenge and wasn't sure why he excelled above the rest. His favourite part of the event, he added, was meeting new people.

About 45 youths, aged 11 to 16, from Fort Liard, Fort Providence and Fort Resolution participated in the competition. Residents from Fort Simpson were also invited but no one from the village arrived.

Still, recreation co-ordinator Roslyn Firth said the event, which was held at both Echo Dene School and the community hall, went well.

"It was a 10 out of 10," she said. "It seemed to go really quick because everyone was so busy."

The event was made possible through funding from Municipal and Community Affairs’ Regional Youth Sport Events Program (RYSE) and the Mackenzie Recreation Association. Volunteers were also key in making the challenge a success.

Going forward, the plan is to have each of the four communities host at least one event. However, future competitions will be dependent on funding, Firth said.

"Hopefully we’re able to continue on," she said, adding it's a great way to give youth a chance to travel to other communities and mix and mingle with residents from different areas.

This year, the organizers tried to down play the competition aspect and focused on getting as many youth involved as possible.

"We hope that they take away some new sports skills and more confidence in themselves," she said.

Firth said she also wanted to help the older participants develop leadership skills by getting them involved in coaching and other duties.

"We try to take advantage of those potential leadership opportunities," Firth said.

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