16 July 2010 - South Africa Archery celebrates MANDELA Day

South Africa Archery celebrates MANDELA Day Lausanne, 16 July 2010   On Sunday 18 July is an annual celebration of Nelson MANDELA’s life and a global call to action for people to recognize their individual ability to make an imprint and change the world around them. South Africa Archery has planned for some special activities at this effect.   MANDELA Day has been created to inspire people from every corner of the world to embrace the values that have embodied Nelson MANDELA’s life – democracy; equality; reconciliation; diversity; responsibility; respect and freedom – for these are the values of Nelson MANDELA and they are his legacy to the world.   This year, the South African National Archery Association (SANAA) has come out in full support for MANDELA Day. SANAA Executive Dr Selwyn MOSKOVITZ said: “By connecting people with ways to act on Nelson MANDELA’s values, we aim to empower every individual to make an imprint on the world. Archery is no different. It connects people of all walks of like. The MANDELA Day campaign message is simple: Nelson MANDELA has given 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity. All we are asking is that everyone gives 67 arrows of their time.”   “The South African National Archery Association (SANAA) aims to have as many archers as possible participate in a Nelson MANDELA Day shoot, where at least 67 arrows are shot on 18 July. To date, over 30 clubs in South Africa will be participating in this event, and so far the organizers expect over 1000 local archers or inspiring archers to take part. Official indoor tournaments will be shooting an additional 7 arrows for MANDELA Day, while a number of clubs have put on special 67-arrow shoots. All donations and entry fees will go to charity. SANAA have manufactured a special pin for the occasion and every archer and official will be presented with one.”   “MANDELA Day is a global social movement – an umbrella idea – that does not discriminate, it’s open and lets in and embraces every organization that does good, whilst enabling people to serve their community and improve their lives. The MANDELA Day brand icon represents Mr MANDELA’s hand and the passing of the torch to each of us and our individual ability to make an imprint on the world. MANDELA Day is not a holiday – it is a day for all of us to opt in and show that we can all make an impact.”   South Africa have also various national holidays, amongst them Youth and Women's day, in which SANAA have open days and fun-competitions aimed towards developing the sport of archery.   More info on www.sanaa.org.za and www.mandeladay.com   Edited by World Archery Communication