Samantha MacConnell
Samantha MacConnell
MUNICIPALITY OF PONTIAC – The past couple of years have been an uphill journey full of hours of practice, professional training, and travel for Quyon’s Alexandra Paquette, as she worked to qualify for her first international World Championship Games in compound archery. At 16 years old, Paquette is the number one female compound cadet in Quebec and Canada and has qualified in gold squad to be eligible to compete at an international championship level.
Paquette’s dedication to her sport has paid off as she hopes to attend the World Youth Games in Rosario, Argentina, this fall. However, the cost of competing in compound archery has become increasingly expensive, and despite their best efforts, the Paquette family has started a GoFundMe page to help pay for the high costs of international travel.
An average archery season costs about $13,000 a year, and maintaining top rankings requires staying constantly up to date with equipment and training. The costs of Paquette’s sport have increased this year, as the organization for registered archers, Archery Canada, now allocates its funds towards supporting adult archers. As a youth, Paquette will receive no financial support from the organization she pays into.
To date, Paquette’s GoFundMe page has reached over half of its $5,000 goal. Her father, James Victor Paquette, expressed his gratitude for the support and noted that some people struggling financially themselves are still donating what they can to support his daughter. The family has until the end of August to reach its goal. For more information,visit:https://www.gofundme.
com/road-to-rosario-world-youth-champ
