CHAMPION —
Any site selected to host the International Bowhunting Organization’s annual year-end event must be able to accommodate a world championship archery tournament and a big ole party at the same time.
Seven Springs Mountain Resort can certainly do both.
So, the IBO decided to hold its 2012 World Championship & Archery Festival at the venue from Wednesday through Saturday.
For the competitors, Seven Springs offers acres of wooded land, far removed from other resort guests and vehicles, where they can let their arrows fly freely at targets. Then, after the shooting is done, the archers can have fun with their families by paddle boating, swimming, bowling, shopping, eating or visiting nearby attractions, such as Fallingwater, Idlewild and Ohiopyle State Park.
“It’s a great place for the shooters,” said IBO President Ken Watkins. “There is a lot for the families to do. They’re having a great time while they’re here. ... There are very few facilities that are large enough in the eastern half of the country that can actually handle us.”
“This is the world championship, but we like to think of this as more of a festival. ... The reason that we want it in a resort like this is to have the festival.”
This is the first year the local resort has hosted the event, which includes vendors, a bowhunters market, pig roast, target auction, live music and trick shooting displays.
“Seven Springs is honored to host the International Bowhunting Organization,” said the facility’s communications director, Anna Weltz.
“This is the first year, and we’re so happy they selected us.”
The resort received many positive reviews from IBO officials and shooters.
“It’s beautiful,” said Merv Sensenig, a hunter-class archer from Lancaster County. “I really like it.”
About 1,500 individuals qualified to compete for $200,000 in cash and prizes. Participants came from at least 20 countries, including Canada, South Africa, Spain and Australia.
More than 300 Pennsylvanians entered the event, including Brian Meese of Hastings, who took part in three previous IBO world tournaments.
“It’s the nicest one we’ve had so far,” said Meese, a semi-pro shooter.
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