Westman 3D winter classic draws full house

The 2026 Westman 3D Winter Classic ASA Shoot drew strong participation over the past weekend as archers from across the region gathered in the Canada Room at the Keystone Centre for one of Canada’s premier indoor archery events.

Organized by members of the Brandon Wildlife Association, the annual indoor 3D shoot officially began with a non-competitive walk-in day on Friday, allowing participants to warm up and giving newcomers a chance to try archery in a relaxed setting.

The main competition took place on Saturday and Sunday, featuring multiple events and categories, organizer Travis Van Daele said.

“We were full yesterday, and we’re completely booked for both days,” Van Daele said. “This is probably one of the top three indoor archery events in Canada, so that says a lot about the level of interest and support.”

Over the course of the weekend, organizers had approximately 50 rounds of archery shot across three events. Participation numbers vary by session, with about 80 archers on Friday, roughly 110 on Saturday’s main event, and about 65 competing in another event later in the weekend, he said.

The competition brings together a wide range of participants, from youth as young as eight or nine years old to seasoned archers in their 70s. Van Daele said that inclusivity is one of the event’s defining features.

“We have youth right up to adults. Lots of kids, lots of families, lots of women — it really covers a broad spectrum,” he said.

Saturday evening also features a popular ASA team event, designed as a fun, social component of the weekend. Archers are placed into scramble-style teams, with scores based on the best four or five arrows, adding a lighter, community-focused element to the competition.

For Van Daele, who has been involved in archery for more than four decades, the event is about more than just competition.

“It’s offering a venue so people can enjoy their sport in the winter, which can be tough,” he said. “We’re fortunate to have the Keystone Centre as a big, accessible space. For me, it’s about giving back, passing the sport on, and doing something for the community.”

Awards were presented for first, second, and third-place finishes across multiple age and equipment categories at the conclusion of the competitions.

While planning the event comes with challenges, Van Daele said this year’s issues were minimal.

Volunteer retention remains an ongoing concern, but he praised the strong community support behind the event. He also highlighted a significant contribution from Alternative Landscaping, which donated more than 40 trees used in setting up the 3D course.

“That really shows how the whole community comes together when we do things like this,” he said.

Van Daele encouraged anyone curious about archery to give the sport a try.

“You don’t have to be a super athlete,” he said. “It’s a sport that just about anybody of any ability can do well at, and the community will welcome you no matter what level you’re at.”

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