Gold for Maria at masters games

Gold for Maria at masters games

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Southern River grandmaster bowman Alf Maria won gold at the Adelaide masters games with his compound bow. Photograph — Matt Devlin.
Alf Maria take aim. Photograph Matt Devlin.
Alf Maria take aim. Photograph Matt Devlin.

Grandmaster bowman Alf Maria took gold in his age group (male 70 to 79) in the target category at the Adelaide masters games last month.

The 70-year-old said he never would have thought in his life he would participate in such a national event but was happy he did.

“It was great fun and shooting there at the Saint Ignatius college was good but also very difficult because it was extremely windy,” he said.

“I still can’t express how happy I am to have won my division, I’ve worked really hard, practising when I can.”

The Southern River archer was joined at the two-day event by fellow AIM archery club member and master bowman Terry Hunt-Mills.

Hunt-Mills, 56, said it was a great experience for the both of them and he and Maria were the first two members of the Southern River AIM club to compete at the games.

“I didn’t shoot as well as I should have on the day but Alf was amazing, he is highly deserving of that gold medal, we’re all so proud of him,” he said.

“It was a sensational experience to shoot against other competitors of that calibre, a great opportunity for a couple West Aussie blokes to get out there and show the country what we’re made of.”

AIM archery’s Southern River chapter was for over 50s.

Call Hunt Mills on 0404 737 129 for more information.