7 novembre 2011 - Christopher PERKINS honoré dans sa ville natale (en anglais)

Hometown honour for humble Christopher PERKINS (CAN) Lausanne – 7 November 2011
     
The 19-year-old's stunning win at the 2011 World Championships is being recognized with an addition to five municipal road signs on the approach to his hometown, Athens (Canada) to acknowledge the achievement of the talented young man.
 
Archery’s humble world champion Christopher PERKINS will have some bragging done for him by the municipality he calls home. The 19-year-old’s stunning win over a quartet of experienced and heavily favoured veterans in the compound bow division at Turin, Italy in July is being recognized with an addition to five municipal road signs on the approach to Athens, Canada.

One of the signs – reading “Home of 2011 World Archery Champion Christopher Perkins” - was unveiled Saturday to an enthusiastic response by about 60 people at an open house to acknowledge the achievement of the talented young man.

The presentation, made on behalf of the municipality by Mayor Herb SCOTT, brought tears of gratitude to the eyes of the recipient’s mother, Deanna, and grandmother, Shirley, and gasps of surprise from the crowd.

Christopher PERKINS said he felt honoured and was surprised when he saw the sign brought in by roads superintendent Chris FENLONG. PERKINS said he heard council was discussing something of that nature but didn’t expect the sign to be ready so soon or to be so large. He was also pleased the design included an arrow embedded in the centre of a competition target accompanying the text. And as much as he recognized the special nature of the honour, it’s not about to change his modest demeanour.

Earlier during the hour-long open house, PERKINS said it’s not his nature to seek the spotlight but he understands it comes with the territory. “I’m not really one to go out and brag about what I’ve done but obviously people wanted to get this opportunity to meet me,” he told The Recorder and Times. “It’s an honour and it’s nice that Athens and the people in the community set this up.”

PERKINS took up archery eight years ago because his parents were involved. Four years ago he started target shooting and his career went fast-forward with Winchester coach Kathy MILLER providing guidance.

The young man is renowned for a calm demeanour during competition as well as an intense practice schedule that has captured the world of archery by storm.

And if he’s reluctant to toot his own horn, there are plenty of people willing to give PERKINS just deserts. “He’s a great champion,” Mayor SCOTT told The Recorder and Times during an interview. He said council, represented at the open house by the mayor and councillors Darin ALGUIRE, Rob LAYNG, Greg KEARNEY and Gary SHEFFIELD, decided to recognize PERKINS shortly after his World Championship victory and many residents shared the view.

It took a while to pull all the elements together but SCOTT was pleased with the result and credited CAO Darlene NOONAN for co-ordinating the effort. “To me, he’s a young individual who has achieved so much other kids can look up to him and realize anything is possible,” said SCOTT. He also emphasized to a reporter and in his remarks to the crowd the importance of family support in helping PERKINS reach such lofty heights. "The whole family has been right there with him."

SCOTT told the crowd it is a rare occasion for a local politician to be able to recognize a world champion and the first time he’s ever enjoyed such an opportunity. "It’s an honour to be in the same room with him."

Before the formal presentation, PERKINS spoke with well wishers in a corner of the Joshua Bates Centre near a table and a pair of easels holding tributes and news clippings, trophies and medals, mementoes and photos and an oversized card for people to leave their best wishes.

Nearby, a podium was draped with PERKINS’ team Canada jersey. Meanwhile, a video of the July World Championships event played nearby. Among the people on hand was Athens District High School music teacher Jim PALMER, who felt it was important to stop by the open house to recognize a recent graduate. PALMER didn’t teach PERKINS but said he was a well-liked student whose achievements leading up to the world title were well known by fellow students and staff. “Even with all his worldwide recognition, it’s not like he wore it on a t-shirt. The kids felt he was one of their own and they liked sharing a piece of his success.”

PALMER said the honours are not finished for PERKINS, who will be inducted into the Athens District High School Hall of Fame in December along with legendary Westport Mayor Bill THAKE.

Deanna PERKINS said the family, including sister Kylie, is proud of the accomplishments by her son and pleased he hasn’t changed because of the success. “He’s a pretty quiet fellow and he doesn’t like the fuss. He just wants to shoot his bow.”

Spencer PERKINS said his son has an impressive capacity to stay calm during competition. “It’s just amazing to watch him shoot. "At his age it would have been amazing to be included in the top 10. It’s beyond amazing with him being Number One.”

Nick GARDINER / The Recorder and Times
Edited by World Archery Communication