Sexsmith archer gives back, sets sights on Canada Winter Games
14-year-old Austin Dougherty is a sort 1 diabetic, as he was identified 5 years in the past. He has solely been into archery for a number of years now, however he’s already achieved main issues since discovering a sport that works for him.
His father, Jeremy says he couldn’t be extra pleased with his son. Austin acquired a recurve bow as a Christmas reward in 2018.
“Soccer was actually the one sport that he beforehand loved. He wished to discover a sport that he might take pleasure in and never fear about his blood sugar ranges being low so usually. From there, he actually developed an curiosity in archery and he continues to develop that ability,” he explains.
“He enjoys the game total and lots of that has to do with the help of the Sport Nation Archers membership, which he’s concerned in. They’ve actually taken an curiosity in him from the beginning.”
Austin has additionally began his personal fundraiser, as a approach of giving because of the Stollery Kids’s Hospital diabetes care group.
“We’ve really surpassed our $1,000 purpose and we’re presently over $1,400 raised. It’s nice to see. It reveals that he helps the individuals who help him,” he says.
Austin has been competing in tournaments throughout the nation for a number of years now, with a set purpose in thoughts.
“We begin with the Alberta Indoor Archery Event in Blackfalds, which is a part of the qualifying necessities for the Canada Winter Video games. This weekend is the Stollery match, the Nationals are in Winnipeg, and we even have a bunch of camps later this yr for the Canada Winter Video games,” he says.
Austin and his father are hopeful that Grande Prairie is profitable in its bid to host the Alberta Winter Video games in 2024.
“It will imply so much to our complete household and it could be spectacular for the group. It will fill us with a lot delight. Delight to showcase the world we reside in and delight to have the ability to see him participate within the competitors,” he provides.
Dougherty is one in every of 4 different archers within the province competing for a spot within the upcoming Canada Winter Video games and the one recurve archer within the Peace Nation space. He has additionally participated within the 2020 Alberta Winter Video games, coming in fifth place. He has additionally received quite a few medals.
The 2023 Canada Winter Video games happen in Prince Edward Island, with 3,600 of Canada’s finest to be chosen to participate.
