Aim for the 2027 Canada Winter Games! Archery Manitoba Opens Mid-Season Opportunity for Youth Archers
Following the incredible success of the 2026 Manitoba Winter Games and to meet the growing demand from aspiring young archers, Archery Manitoba is thrilled to announce a unique mid-season opportunity! We’re introducing a new squad title – the “Canada Winter Games Prospects Squad” – designed for youth (2027 Canada Winter Games Age Eligible – ages 20 & under), Manitoba archers eager to elevate their competition development with their sights set on the 2027 Canada Winter Games.
This initiative is an amendment to our 2026 Provincial Target Team Selection Process, developed in close consultation with our provincial program coaches and regional leaders. It reflects our collective desire to enhance athlete development pathways and broaden participation within Archery Manitoba’s competitive programs.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The existing Provincial Target Team document outlines our commitment to excellence, athlete development, and the promotion of our sport. Opening this mid-season registration for the CWG Prospects Squad allows us to:
- Identify and Engage Emerging Talent: Provide a pathway for archers who demonstrated strong potential at recent competitions, such as the Manitoba Winter Games.
- Immediate Development: Offer a structured development opportunity for archers who have achieved a foundational performance standard but may have missed the initial selection window.
- Expand Our Reach: Foster growth in archery across Manitoba, aligning with the intent of both the Provincial Team Program and the Canada Winter Games Program.
Who Can Join? (Eligibility Criteria)
We are opening mid-season registration specifically for the CWG Prospects Squad. To be eligible, you must be an Archery Manitoba provincial member and meet one of the following criteria:
- Participation in the Manitoba Winter Games: You have participated in the recent Manitoba Winter Games.
- Achieved Qualifying Score: You have met or exceeded the minimum scores for your category:
Canada Winter Games Prospects Squad (U21)
Category Indoor Distance Minimum Score (40CM) Compound Male 18M 403 Compound Female 18M 436 Barebow Male 18M 111 Barebow Female 18M 130 Recurve Male 18M 264 Recurve Female 18M 267
How to Join: Registration & Program Start Dates
- Registration Period: April 1 – April 20, 2026
- Program Fee: $250
- New Program Members Start Date: May 1, 2026
- Register Online Here
What You Get: Program Structure & Support
New members joining the CWG Prospects Squad will receive comprehensive support designed to foster their growth and prepare them for competition:
- Training Environment:
- Access to a weekly training environment.
- Coach-Led Training: Includes 2 hours of coach-led team training sessions per week.
- Strength Training: Access to specific strength training programming.
- Experienced Coaching Staff:
- Brandon: Travis VanDaele
- Winnipeg: Sean Murray, Dale Bakker, Anna Parkhomenko, & Cleo Wermann-Thorn
- Team Uniform: All new archers joining the program will receive one shooting shirt. Additional shirts will be available for purchase.
- Regional & Group Training: Weekly training will primarily occur in local training environments. To foster team cohesion and provide broader coaching exposure, the entire squad will gather for combined training sessions in either Brandon or the Winnipeg Region, based on coach availability.
Your Path to Success: Performance Objectives
Participants in the Canada Winter Games Prospects Squad will focus on key performance objectives for the upcoming season:
- Manitoba Provincial Target Championships: Preparation for and competition at this event, scheduled for July 25-26 in Sanford, MB.
- Canada Winter Games Prep Camp: Engagement in a dedicated prep camp from August 28-30 (Location TBD).
- Canada Winter Games Qualification: Participation in the qualification process from September to November 22, with an expectation to compete in the finals on November 21 & 22 in Portage La Prairie.
Important Note on Financial Considerations
Please be aware that archers who participate in this mid-season registration to the Team will not be eligible for travel funding for competitions outside of Manitoba. This aligns with the existing provincial team document’s funding criteria. This policy provides a clear expectation for these mid-season additions.
Don’t miss this incredible chance to advance your archery journey and set your sights on the 2027 Canada Winter Games! If you meet the eligibility requirements, register between April 1 and April 20, 2026, and join the Canada Winter Games Prospects Squad!
