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The International Archery Federation, Easton Sports Development Foundation (ESDF), the Ogden Weber Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Utah Sports Commission today announced event details for the 2009 World Archery Youth Championships, to be held at Weber State University and Lindquist Field in Ogden, Utah, July 12-19.
The World Archery Youth Championships will gather more than 430 of the world’s best youth archers and nearly 200 coaches, along with numerous family members and fans. Participants are between the ages of 14-18 and were required to qualify for this event through each of their more than 50 respective countries.
“Ogden welcomes the participants and attendees of the 2009 World Archery Youth Championships,” said Matthew Godfrey, Ogden city mayor. “We are honored by the opportunity to host another international sporting event of this caliber in our city and are ready to make this event a memorable experience for the competitors, event attendees and the entire community.”
Youth participants will travel from countries as far as Australia, Barbados, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Lebanon, Nigeria, Spain, Venezuela, among many others.
“The sport of archery, although less known in the United States, has a very dynamic community of competitors, participants and fans that span ages, gender and hundreds of cultures,” said Greg Easton, President of the Organizing Committee for the World Archery Youth Championships, board member of the Easton Sports Development Foundation and President of Jas. D. Easton, Inc. “Supporting the 2009 World Archery Youth Championships is a valuable opportunity for our foundation to showcase the skills of these talents athletes, produce excitement for the sport, and expose our area to archery’s diverse participants and fan base.”
Thirty-one participants are traveling to Utah from around the United States including Riley Whiting, a 14-year-old archer from Logan, Utah.
Whiting admits he, “loved the sport ever since he could remember,” and received his first bow at age five from his grandfather and coach. Riley’s top three finish at a recent competition in Illinois guaranteed him a spot at the July championships.
“This competition is so big in comparison to anything I have been in before,” said Whiting. “While I am practicing a lot, the metal preparation is what is really key. I have the opportunity to meet and compete against the best youth archers in the world. I just really want to do my best and hopefully take first in my division.”
Upon arriving in Ogden, youth competitors will spend the week participating in practices, qualification rounds and eliminations. Top competitors will compete in final Medal Matches for Teams on Saturday July 18, and final Medal Matches for Individuals on Sunday July 19. Exactly 17 top finishers for each gender will also qualify their countries for slots to participate in the first Youth Olympic Games, August 14-24, 2010 held in Singapore. A detailed schedule for the week of competition is available here.
"Sports are a key economic, image building, and public relations driver for our state. The 2009 World Archery Youth Championships is yet another example of what Utah is doing to leverage sports to the benefit of our great State," said Jeff Robbins, president & CEO of the Utah Sports Commission. "Hosting this major international event, which is also a qualification event for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, will provide economic benefit and significant worldwide exposure at a time when this type of advancement for our State is as important as ever."
For more information about the World Archery Youth Championships, please visit the Ogden Youth World Championships website.
About International Archery Federation (FITA)
FITA serves to promote and regulate archery world-wide through its Member Associations (national federations and associations) and in conformity with the Olympic principles. It aims at framing and interpreting the FITA Rules and arranging for the organization of world championships and other international competitions.
About Easton Sports Development Foundation
The Easton Sports Development Foundation is a not-for-profit 501c3 and was formed in 1982 by James L. Easton to support Easton’s Olympic Commitment at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. The foundations mission is to provide excellence in leadership, facilities, programs, training and education for the growth and development of archery and other charitable giving.
About Ogden
Ogden (ogdenywc.com) is a rising adventure and recreation destination. During the past year Ogden has been declared one of the top ten best places to live by Outside and National Geographic Adventure Magazine. It has also been named a top five “Cities and Towns with the Best American Values” by Newsmax Magazine and one of Ski Magazine’s “Next Best Places.”
About Utah Sports Commission
The Utah Sports Commission is a not-for-profit 501c3 charitable organization governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees consisting of statewide sports, business, community, and government leaders. The Sports Commission was created to foster national and international amateur and professional sports competitions to be held in the state of Utah, acting as a catalyst in unifying the states sports community and strengthening Utah's presence in the global sports marketplace. The Sports Commission works closely with communities, sports entities, and organizations to provide event services ranging from the bid process, on-site logistics, volunteer coordination, sponsorships and promotional opportunities and other related services.
Media Contacts
Maura Lansford, SOAR Communications, 801.523.3730, 817.929.8123(cell), mlansford[.]soarcomm.com or Denise Parker, USA Archery, 801.737.1917, dparker[.]usarchery.org
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csmith[.]soarcomm.com 
