Government of Alberta officials are projecting millions of new dollars will be pumped into the Lac La Biche region over the next few days as the community welcomes the world's best archers.
In a news release issued on September 16 – just a few hours before the 4:30 pm. athletes parade and opening ceremonies at Lac La Biche's McArthur Park – touted the week-long World Outdoor Field Championships being held in the Lac La Biche community.
"The Championships are expected to inject up to $2.3 million into the local economy as visitors support businesses in the region with increased dining, shopping, and entertainment and accommodation bookings," notes the news release, which is a joint statement from Alberta's Minister of Tourism and Sport Joseph Schow, the MLA for the Lac La Biche area, and the president of the Lakeland Archers.
With more than 1,000 spectators anticipated and 250 athletes from 29 countries, the week-long event will once again put the Lac La Biche community on the world's sporting map, notes the region's MLA.
"Outdoorsman's Paradise"
“This great event will showcase one of Alberta’s true hidden gems and top-notch facilities. Lac La Biche is an outdoorsman’s paradise and there is no better place to host an archery event of this calibre. Welcome everyone to Alberta, and may the best shot win," says Brian Jean.
Many of the world's top archers are already aware of the hospitality shown in the Lac La Biche area, as the community has become a regular fixture on the archery provincial, national and global circuit, having hosted the Canadian 3D Indoor Championships in both 2017 and 2021, and the World Archery 3D Championships in 2019. Lac La Biche is also scheduled to host the Canadian Outdoor Archery Championships in 2025.
Rene Schaub Lakeland Archers president, who has also been a Team Canada archery coach and a world archery judge, says the community has a growing reputation for putting on a great show and welcoming the world with open arms.
“This will be the first time Canada has hosted the World Archery Field Championships, and it is a great privilege and an honour. We can’t wait for athletes from around the world to experience the passion and dedication of our volunteers and our community," Schaub said.
Team Alberta
Included in the athletes competing for top honours are several Team Canada shooters, including three standout archers from Alberta will represent Team Canada. In the compound division, Cameron Palichuk and Cory Smandych will showcase their skills. Palichuk, from Blackfalds, ranked ninth overall at the 2024 Pan American Championships, and Smandych, a Calgarian, is a multi-time Canadian champion and seven-time Alberta Provincial champion. In the under 21 compound division, Damon Polowaniuk, from Sturgeon County, made headlines by setting a new U21 Men’s Pan American Championship record at the 2024 Youth Masters Pan American Championships. Polowaniuk finished the competition fifth overall, earning a gold medal in the Men’s Team event and a bronze in the Mixed Team round.
Events all week
The 2024 World Outdoor Archery Championships week of events begins September 16 at 4:30 pm with a parade of athletes along Churchill Drive on the Lac La Biche lakeshore. Opening ceremonies will take place at McArthur Place. Other activities through the week include cultural demonstrations, a community rodeo and a gala awards night. The archery qualifying rounds will take place all week at the Herb Erickson Archery Range. Spectator viewing is available at the range. The championship finals will take place at the Lac La Biche golf course, with specially designated targets incorporated into features of the course's driving range. Bleacher seating ... and a beer tent ... will be featured at the finals.
