Yeah, yeah, I know, there is that incessant word “diversity” again. How much more political correctness do you expect us to tolerate anymore? Well, bear with me for a bit and you may just enjoy what you read and learn.
Diversity means “a range of different things”. I’m pretty sure your résumé and life experiences are pretty diverse and so are any investment portfolios you might have. After all you aren’t a robot and you are constantly learning to do new things… or old things better. Life would be pretty boring if it wasn’t diverse.
Archery, as you know, is a sport that offers something for everyone and, as you also know or should know, putting a bow in a newbie’s hand is the most rewarding thing you can do. I’ve been blessed to share archery with youth, celebrities, adults, professors and people of every race, creed, ethnic background and physical ability. The one thing that is universal is the smile, laughter and excitement on each individual’s face and in their heart regardless of their political leaning or economic status. This is the bridge. The wealthiest person can be right next to the poorest person on the range yet they are talking and learning and helping as peers, mentors, friends.
We’ve all heard the stories and I’m sure many have even been part of the story. A newbie walks in interested in taking up archery and gets treated… well, like crap, especially if they have the “audacity” to say they aren’t interested in hunting. I’ve seen it first hand and I was a victim of it when I started 22 years ago… and I was one interested in hunting and still had a bad experience out of the gate. The point being, one never knows who is walking through the door or where they will go with the sport. We, as an industry, need and should want every person encountered to pick up a bow regardless of how they choose to utilize it and make sure they are comfortable, informed and educated properly. This isn’t a rite of passage; this is a lifelong learning activity.
Embrace everyone that wants to experience this sport. Don’t let their hipster appearance, medical device or social status cloud your perception or treatment of them. Welcome them, help them and watch as they grow. You won’t be disappointed. You never know how that one positive interaction will change a life or lead to unimagined opportunities.
