Outdoor Recreation hosts archery tournament Published Sept. 17, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Erica Crossen 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Two dozen people competed in four categories during an archery tournament Sept. 14, sponsored Scott AFB Outdoor Recreation. "Archery has really been popularized recently with the younger generation watching 'The Hunger Games,'" said Garry Green, ODR Adventure Program director. "We've never seen anything like it, with people wanting to rent bows and arrows. Despite the recent spike in popularity, it really is such an ancient skill people have practiced for centuries, and it's great recreation for kids, teens and adults." Nuray Engin O'Connell, mother of a competitor, said, "I think the tournament is a great place for participants to meet other people of all ages who enjoy the sport and it gives them a sense of connection to that community. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and excitement while having fun. I also loved the fact that everybody received a little gift for participating." The competition was targeted towards age, and not skill, which is why they used recurve bows in order to level the playing field for everyone. Recurve bows are made of various lengths and pounds of pull strength, and don't require any special training to handle. These are used for recreation as opposed to compound bows, which are technical to use and require great skill to operate. Green said "I think this family-oriented and individual tournament is important because it helps to promote a healthy outdoor lifestyle while developing personal skills. The tourney also provides the base with an important Morale, Welfare and Recreation activity." Winners in each category Youth Event: 1st - Michael Albinger 2nd - Lucas Ueda 3rd - Gary Sabol Teen Event: 1st - Zachary Baty 2nd - Cora Halpain 3rd - Dylan Hughes Young Adult Event: 1st - Sean O'Connell 2nd - Jack Hilbing Adult Event: 1st - Robert Niebauer 2nd - Julia Halpain 3rd - John Leonard Final Shot Balloon Break: Riley Sabol