Paralympian archer Mel Clarke visits Huntingdon summer camp

The Path to Paris challenge orchestrated a unique opportunity on Thursday, August 8, as Paralympic archer, Mel Clarke paid a surprise visit to Barracudas Summer Camp at Hinchingbrooke School in Huntingdon.

Archer Mel Clarke was actively involved with the children during her visit, conducting four archery sessions, one of the specialities at Barracudas.

The kids were excited to meet Archer Clarke and learn about her daily training and emotions at the London Paralympics.

Barracudas Minnows with Olympic torch at Barracudas summer camp (Image: Submitted)

With an astonishing career milestone, Ms Clarke has more than 170 medals to her name, a bronze and a silver from the Paralympics and numerous world records.

She handled even the trickiest questions, like how she felt not winning the gold medal, with grace and ease that piqued the children's interest.

She said: "It was great to attend the Barracudas camp in Huntingdon this week - the kids and staff were fantastic - all really enthusiastic and keen to take part.

"I had some amazing questions, and it was great to see the smiles from the children when holding my medal and torch.

"This camp is a fantastic way for children to have a go at lots of sports and activities - who knows, we could have had a future Olympic or Paralympic champion here too."

Mel Clarke with Billy Barracuda at Barracudas summer camp (Image: Submitted)

Karen Baynes, director at Barracudas, said: "We loved the chance to introduce children to Mel Clarke at camp.

"We’re all about keeping children active, engaged, and developing during the school holidays by providing new and enriching experiences.

"With a solid history of local athletes, we hope this will inspire the next generation to follow their passions.”

Barracudas has played an influential role in presenting excellent school holiday activities for more than 30 years and this visit from Mel Clarke has been a highlight, creating indelible memories for all who attended.

Mel Clarke at Barracudas summer camp with Starfish group (Image: Submitted)

Path to Paris is an initiative by Get Set, a youth engagement program by Team GB and ParalympicsGB.

It's a virtual challenge mostly encouraging children from the age group of 5 to 11 to indulge in physical activities, beginning a virtual journey across the globe, with the end goal of reaching Paris, just in time for the Games.

Team GB and ParalympicsGB are the bodies behind the official Olympic and Paralympic youth engagement program Get Set, emerged from the legacy of the London 2012 games, leading the longest-running Olympic and Paralympic youth engagement program.

Mel Clarke with Swordfish group at Barracudas summer camp (Image: Submitted)

Mel Clarke, a renowned British Paralympic archer with a career length of more than 12 years, has achieved success at every level she has competed in and holds multiple world records.

She represented Team GB in the Paralympic Games, bagging a bronze medal in 2008 and a silver medal in 2012.

The British Olympic Foundation is the charitable extension of Team GB, aimed at promoting the Olympic Movement and its values, looking to uplift the wellbeing of the nation.

ParalympicsGB is the Great Britain and Northern Ireland Paralympic team, responsible for participating at the summer and winter Paralympic Games.

Mel Clarke with Barracudas group at Barracudas summer camp (Image: Submitted)

Their superior performances motivate and challenge perceptions of disability, advocating a more inclusive society.

Sport England is a public body pledged to enable sportive participation for all in England, regardless of age, background, or ability.

They invest millions every year in projects that promote active lifestyles, most notably for groups traditionally less active.

Spirit of 2012 of the National Lottery Community Fund, is the London 2012 legacy fund established to award grants for inclusive arts, sports, and volunteering activities that bind people together to enhance their wellbeing, furthering the legacy of the London 2012 Games.