The rural northeastern Alberta community of Lac La Biche welcomed the world on Monday afternoon, as 250 athletes from 28 countries were "waved into" the community with an opening ceremonies parade. Lining the street toward the outdoor ceremony were hundreds of residents from the community of about 8,500 people, most waving flags representing the countries taking part in the 2024 World Archery Field Championships.
Athletes from Japan, India, Croatia, Great Britain, the United States and Canada took part in the short parade walk along the lakeshore street leading to the outdoor amphitheatre at the community's civic centre.
Dignitaries from Lac La Biche County, along with representatives from neighbouring first nation and Métis communities also welcomed the athletes and the fans who are following the event.
The right word
With the bow and arrow a long-used implement of the Indigenous cultures, Beaver Lake Cree Nation band councillor Leonard Jackson – who said most of his welcome remarks in Cree – got a laugh from the athletes and the audience gathered in McArthur Park when paused, tilted his head and said with a smile: "I don't know if there is a Cree word for archery."
The laughter was part of the warm reception offered to the athletes. Lakeland Archers president Rene Schaub said it is that welcoming spirit that has helped bring the world games to the small community. Lac La Biche and his archery club also hosted the 2019 World 3D Archery Championships, three national events and many provincial championships. Schaub, who has been a Team Canada archery coach at other world events, as well as a World Archery senior judge, said he is proud of the club, the volunteers and the community.
The 2024 World Archery Field Championships will run from September 16-22, with qualifying knock-out rounds taking place at the Herb Erickson Archery Lanes along the Mission Road about five kilometres west of Lac La Biche, the home of the Lakeland Archery Club.
Spectators are welcome at the archery lanes, as well as several community-focused events throughout the week, including a local rodeo and cultural demonstrations. A full listing of the events, dates and times can be found on the official World Archery schedule which is available on the Lakeland This Week website, on the social media pages of Lakeland This Week and on the Lakeland Archers website.
• Video Chris McGarry