Innisfail is not Nottingham Forest but we do have our own Robin Hood who goes by the name of Blake Anderson.
ìBlake has only been shooting for two years,î said Walter Wiley, auxiliary coach for the Central Alberta Archers Association (CAAA). ìYet in his very first competition he was able to capture a bronze medal at the Alberta Winter Games held in Banff from February 6 to 9.î
Riley has been impressed with the young 12-year-old archer.
ìFor his age, he has a very good attitude,î said Wiley. ìHe strives very hard to shoot his best and is a pleasure to have on our team. The kids practise every Sunday for half a day, and three times a week so the time commitment is quite extensive for our athletes and families.î
Blake competed in the cub division for compound archers aged 12 to 14 with some shooters being 15 years old, said Wiley.
ìHe beat out some tough competition,î said Marina Anderson, Blake's proud mother.
ìBlake is just your regular kind of kid. He is not into other sports and is shy and reserved,î added Marina. ìHe hangs around with a good bunch of kids and it is very nice to have him focus on a sport like this and do something positive with his time.î
The Grade 7 Innisfail Middle School student was introduced to archery through his cousin and uncle who have been active shooters for many years. The Anderson family shoots together at the CAAA range while Blake is practising, said Marina.
ìBlake really enjoys archery and this medal at the Winter Games is important,î added Marina. ìHe wants to continue with shooting. This coming May he will compete in provincials and work on his skills for the 2016 Winter Games.
ìHe has talked about competing in the Olympics already too,î said Marina. ìThat is a lot of work and a long time away in the future. I will be there to cheer him on if he makes it.î
