Causeway archer John Nicholl making history

In doing so, he was making history, by being the first ever Deaf and Blind Archer to represent Northern Ireland at the British Championships.

John is currently the leading Visually Impaired Archer throughout the Country and is now ranked Number 3 throughout Great Britain after finishing on the podium in 3rd place.

John is now looking forward to the British Outdoor Championships in September where he hopes, if he performs well, he will attract the attention of Team GB selectors and the chance to represent Great Britain at the World Championships next year.

Chris Macfadyen, John’S Coach commented: “John started shooting two years ago when he was attending a training session with ‘Pavestone Group’ at Causeway Archers in Ballymoney.

“John’s passion for the sport was apparent from the start, discovering he was very able to compete alongside his ‘able-bodied’ counterparts with the help of a tactile sight which helps with his alignment to the target. “John’s confidence grew week on week and soon was determined to take the sport to the next level and invest in his own equipment. Shortly after switching from a ‘social’ archer to a ‘competitive’ archer, the Goal was set to attend the British Indoor Champs.

“There is no end to John’s enthusiasm, determination and commitment. He will continue to succeed and I have no doubt there is more to come from this talented Archer. John inspires everyone who works with him and is a fantastic Ambassador for the Club and for Deaf-Blind Awareness “

Visually Impaired Archery has been included in the World Para Archery Championships this year in Germany. This is the first time since 2009 that it has been included, with the hope that V.I Archery will be included in the Paralympics in Tokyo 2020.