LAC LA BICHE, Alberta — The World Archery Field Championships are underway this week in Lac La Biche. The six-day event features athletes, coaches, and officials from 28 countries, including Australia, France, Mauritania, and Norway, in the town located approximately 200 kilometers south of Fort McMurray.

Brian Jean, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche, described the community as “an outdoorsman’s paradise.”

“This great event will showcase one of Alberta’s true hidden gems and top-notch facilities,” Jean said. “There is no better place to host an archery event of this calibre.”

Three of Alberta’s top archers are competing in the tournament. Cameron Palichuk and Cory Smandych will participate in the compound bow division, while Damon Polowaniuk will compete in the under-21 division.

Lac La Biche has established itself as a notable location on the archery circuit, having previously hosted the Canadian 3D Indoor Championships in 2017 and 2021, and the World Archery 3D Championships in 2019. The town is also set to host the Canadian Outdoor Archery Championships in 2025.