Sydney Olympic Park Archery (SOPA) is proud to celebrate the resounding success of the Archery NSW State Short Distance Championship 2026! Officially opened by the Office of Sport NSW, this year’s championship marked a landmark moment for our sport with the launch of our inaugural Multiclass tournament.
The energy on the range was electric as archers of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities came together to compete, support one another, and showcase the very best of inclusive sport.
Breaking Records and Building Community
This year’s innovative tournament format drove a fantastic 18.8% increase in overall participation, making it one of our most vibrant championships to date. We are especially proud to share the strong diversity reflected across our competitors:
- 36.7% Female Participation – Continuing to empower women and girls in archery.
- 32.8% Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) – Reflecting the rich tapestry of our wider community.
- 12.5% Multiclass Athletes – Demonstrating the strong demand and enthusiasm for adaptive sport pathways.
- 6.25% Para Athletes – Highlighting elite and developing talent on the target line.
Seeing seasoned competitors, emerging talents, multiclass, and para athletes shooting side-by-side perfectly captured the spirit of what SOPA strives to foster: a welcoming, supportive, and accessible environment for everyone.
Heartfelt Thanks to Our Community
An event of this scale doesn’t happen without an amazing team.
To Our Participants:
Thank you for your passion, sportsmanship, and dedication. You brought the range to life and made this milestone truly memorable.
To Our Volunteers & Officials:
Thank you for your tireless efforts behind the scenes, ensuring the tournament ran smoothly and safely.
To the Office of Sport NSW:
Thank you for officially opening the championship and for your ongoing support of inclusive sport in New South Wales.
Looking Ahead: Building a Bigger, Better Future
This year’s success is just the beginning. The invaluable insights gained from this tournament format will help us refine our athlete management, improve facilities, and enhance support for multiclass and para archers moving forward.
We are already working behind the scenes to bring you an even larger, more inclusive event next year!
Get Involved!
Whether you are a seasoned archer looking to return to the sport, a newcomer curious about picking up a bow for the first time, or an athlete looking for an inclusive community – there is a spot for you at SOPA.
We encourage people of all abilities, cultures, genders, and backgrounds to join us on the range. Come down, give archery a shot, and be part of our growing community!
Stay tuned to our website and social channels for upcoming events, introductory courses, and details on next year’s championship.
Photos courtesy of Katrina Robinson
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