HOTSHOT Ellesmere Port and Neston MP Andrew Miller made history when he took part in an archery tournament at Westminster.
Mr Miller entered parliamentary history – the event was the first sporting contest to be held on Speaker’s Green.
Although he thoroughly enjoyed his first experience of using a bow and arrow, the archers preparing for next year’s London Olympic Games need not worry about a potential new threat to their places on the squad!
Mr Miller said: “It was nice to be a part of history in the making. The top archers make it all look so easy, but when you try it yourself you realise how talented the internationals must be – I shot my arrows from 10 metres, they shoot theirs from 70, and I am full of admiration.
“It’s great fun, and very addictive – once you start you keep wanting to go back and improve your score.”
The event was organised by the sport’s parliamentary sponsor Huw Irranca-Davies MP, as part of Archery GB’s 150th anniversary celebrations, and to promote the sport ahead of next year’s Olympics.
MPs and peers were invited to join in the fun, with Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt taking on his Labour Shadow Ivan Lewis.
“Archery has many virtues,” added Mr Miller. “And I am not surprised it is one of the fastest growing sports in the country.
“Anyone can do it; whatever your age or physique, or whether you’re able-bodied or disabled, which makes it a genuine sport for all, and a fantastic family sport.”
Archery recently came out on top in an opinion poll of young people throughout the country when asked about the Olympic sport they would most like to take up if given the chance.
The archery tournament at the London 2012 Olympic Games takes place at Lord’s, between July 27 and August 3.
