By Everest Hala

Para archers from five Pacific nations competed in the first inaugural Oceania Para Archery League (OPAL) competition in Tonga.

The competition, held at Liahona, Tongatapu, brought together athletes and coaches from Tonga, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu for the culmination of a five-day regional coaching course. The programme, organised by World Archery and delivered by World Archery Oceania, aims to strengthen coaching capacity and improve opportunities for athletes with disabilities across the Pacific

The week-long course saw coaches and athletes participate in practical training sessions, adaptive equipment workshops and coaching exercises under the guidance of international trainers Andy Rikunenko, Nat Merry and World Archery Oceania Development Officer Cushla Matheson.

On the final day, coaches applied their training by designing and running the Oceania Para Archery League competition, which used a format intended to provide a level playing field for athletes with varying abilities.

Fiji's Leslie won the gold medal, while Rose of Solomon Islands claimed silver and Vanuatu's Jeffery secured bronze.

Organisers said the programme represented an important step in expanding para archery across Oceania by developing qualified coaches and increasing participation opportunities for athletes with disabilities.

The course was supported by World Archery, UK Sport and IPC Impact, with the Tonga Archery Federation hosting the regional event.