The World Archery Youth Championships are taking place in Yankton, SD all of this week. This is the third time the youth championships have come to the United States, but it’s the first time it has come to South Dakota.
Bruce Cull is the President of the National Field Archery Association. He explains that Yankton was in competition with Mexico City to host the event this year.
“We bid this tournament a little over a year and a half ago. Mexico City, of course, is 23 million people and a little different than Yankton, South Dakota,” said Cull. “I think some of the big reasons are the venue.”
The NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center is a world-class facility for an event like this.
Competitors in the World Archery Youth Championships come from all over the world with 52 countries being represented. The event is then split into two age group categories, 15-17 and 18-20.
“A lot of [these kids], it’s their first trips out of their countries," explained Cull. "It’s a big deal, there are several of the countries that traveled 20, 30, or 40 hours to get here."
Of the 52 countries being represented, 24 athletes are from the United States. Cole Feterl is one of the USA athletes competing in the youth championships. He’s also the only member of the USA team who is from South Dakota. Feterl is from Lennox, SD, about 45 miles north of Yanton.
The event began on Monday June 8 and it will continue through Sunday June 14. For more information, click here.
