BY JOY OFASIA
WHAT began as a simple passion for sport is now taking aim at something far greater—a legacy of leadership, growth, and unity through archery.
Coach Jarryd Greitschus, a respected figure from Rogue Archery in Brisbane, Australia, is beaming with pride as the Solomon Islands prepares to launch its very first archery club in Honiara. Speaking to RAW SPORTS, the Australian coach said he was thrilled to support the initiative, calling it a “milestone moment” for the country.
“This archery club will be the first archery club in the Solomon Islands!” he said. “It’s exciting to see that a number of athletes who represented their country at the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara are continuing the legacy of the games, and will continue to develop the sport.”
Jarryd has been instrumental in the development of archery in the Pacific, having served as the Solomon Islands’ Technical Head Coach during the 2023 Pacific Games. His training camps in the lead-up to the games helped produce historic results, including the nation’s first international win in the compound category by local archer Georgianna Lepping.
Now, with equipment donated by Rogue Archery and the Aspire Archery Club, that same momentum is being channeled into a grassroots movement.
“This will provide an avenue for new archers to get involved, receive coaching, and develop the next generation of aspiring archers,” Jarryd explained. “It’s great to see that the club is being established by the next generation of archery leaders in the Solomon Islands.”
He believes that youthful leadership will be key to long-term success.
“I think the younger leadership of this club will bring a lot of enthusiasm and fresh ideas to grow the sport and provide new development opportunities. GO SOLO GO!”
The launch of the “102 Archery Club”—named after Lepping’s breakthrough international score—is set to transform archery from a niche pursuit into a growing national sport. For Solomon Islands youth, this means more than just a chance to compete—it’s a chance to belong.
Coach Jarryd’s backing, both in words and in action, is a reminder that sport transcends borders—and sometimes, all it takes is a bow, an arrow, and belief in a dream.
