CULLMAN – The Bow-Up Against Breast Cancer Archery Tournament is getting ready to aim high on Memorial Day Weekend in the fight against breast cancer.
The 3D archery tournament is a family friendly event that supports the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA).
“Since 2012, Bow-Up Against Breast Cancer has raised over $234,000 for BCRFA. We are extremely grateful for the support we receive from our partners and archers in supporting the BCRFA’s mission of funding research and saving lives,” said Beth Davis, president and CEO of BCRFA.
“Research funding is vital to the advancements in breast cancer treatment, early detection methods, and ultimately eliminating the disease as a public health threat. Events like Bow-Up play a crucial role in our ongoing efforts.”
Davis said 1 in 8 women and 1 in 833 men will face the disease in their lifetimes. All funds raised at Bow-Up stay in Alabama.
“The community’s support has been amazing, and together we can help discover new treatments and therapies to improve lives in our state,” said Davis.
James Hornbuckle, the president of the Bowhunters of Alabama, said the tournament is unlike traditional archery.
“3D archery takes aim at life-sized, foam animal targets,” he said. “It’s a unique environment for archers.”
He said the tournament typically attracts hundreds of participants.
“We have bowhunters and archers from all over the Southeast and some come from even farther to participate and to support an important cause,” said Hornbuckle. “Everyone has been affected by breast cancer, either a family member or close friend.”
Phenix Crews, a three-time Bow-Up Champion and member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, said the cause is a personal one for her and her family.
“I have had several members of my family that have been affected by breast cancer. My Aunt Shirley just passed away about two years ago from breast cancer. And she fought the battle for many, many years,” she said. “With it being in our family, it’s a possibility of me having it as well.”
Crews said her mother got her involved in the tournament.
“My mom and Aunt Shirley were very close,” she said. “My mom grew up with her her whole life, you know. And she is kind of the one who started us into the breast cancer awareness shoot.”
When not competing, Crews heads up the the PCI Boys and Girls Club Archery Team that takes part in the Bow-Up tournament.
“Currently we have 18 active kids on the archery team and, all the kids, they always have a great time,” said Crews.
“It’s kid friendly. It’s adult friendly, it’s even elder friendly. Anybody can go out to shoot.”
BCRFA’s Davis couldn’t agree more.
“Whether you’re an expert or an amateur, an adult or a kid, Bow-Up is a fun and family-friendly event that supports those who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lives,” she said.
For more information, visit bow-up.org.
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