Local archery champion Rusty Kneale-Barrow has been showing off her talents in a string of championships.

With the help of free ferry travel from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Rusty has been attending her weekly training sessions and taking part in her first major outdoor tournament season.

Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: “We are extremely proud to be Rusty’s sponsor. She is doing a fantastic job representing the Island in so many competitions and we are very happy to be associated with such an admirable and talented person. It is wonderful to be able to help Rusty in the way we are.”

From July 18 to July 22 Rusty, of St John’s, competed in the fourth International Invitational Disabled Archery Event at Stoke Mandeville Stadium in Aylesbury.

The tournament was attended by teams from 12 countries, including America and China.

The week-long competition included shooting 72 arrows at a target, which was 70 metres away, and head-to head matches.

Rusty, who finished 12th and took the bronze award in the w2 category, was also awarded the bronze medal in the Ladies Recurve event of the British National Championships.

Coach Joe Saxon said: “Overall a very satisfying week for Rusty and she so impressed the Great Britain team management with her shooting style and her attitude to competition that she received a formal invite to join the GB team and development squad for 2012. This is yet another step on the ladder that will lead to a team place in the European World Championships and the 2012 Olympics.”

In May Rusty, who has been using a wheelchair since 1996, was awarded a bronze medal in the FITA Star event of the National Archery Championships in Dunstable.

She also competed in an able bodied tournament in Eccles, which included competitors shooting 12 dozen arrows at a target 70 metres away. Rusty did extremely well and finished in 7th place.

At all events Rusty proudly displays the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company logo on her wheelchair. She would like to thank the crew of the Ben-My-Chree for all their help whilst she is on board.
 
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is proud to sponsor all of Rusty’s ferry expenses.