By Tyler Clifton The Paris News
A hunting accident has taken Bill Baker away from the sport he loves — archery.
The archer from Moultrie, Ga., a small town less than a four-hour drive
south of Atlanta, is missing the ASA Texas Pro/Am Championship staged
at Love Civic Center this weekend while he recovers from a spinal
injury suffered when he fell from a tree stand. The fall left Baker
paralyzed from the chest down.
For the last three months, Baker
has been at Shephard Spinal Cord Center in Atlanta, where he is
receiving rehabilitative treatment. The archer, who is credited with
helping bring the Texas Pro/Am to Paris, is expected to return to his
home Monday.
Baker was instrumental in making sure there was
enough room to host the tournament and responsible for safety
accommodations. His wife, Linda, registered participants Thursday at
Love Civic Center.
Paris is the furthest west the ASA
Tournament has been, and although many people don't know Baker, they
stepped up Thursday to contribute to a fund to help him with his
recovery.
The Bill Baker Benefit Shoot took place for seven
hours, and although no official numbers were available, it is believed
to have been a success.
“I just want to give thanks to
the Paris community and our fellow archers for their efforts to make
this a success, and for the way they have welcomed me and others
here,” Linda Baker said. “It's such a wonderful feeling.
Archery is something Bill really enjoys doing, and I know he would be
here if he could.”
Paris was able to nab the ASA's
signature event one year earlier than it originally had planned and
hopes to have it on a yearly basis for at least the next five to 10
years.
Mike Tyrell, ASA president, likes what he sees and feels
positive about the city's chances of hosting the Texas Pro-Am on a more
permanent basis.
“I want people to come and see what a
great job the city has done for this area,” Tyrell said. “I
want to make sure everyone understands the long-term use of this area
with nature trails, bike trails and archery ranges. This plan will
benefit the entire community for years to come.”
For now,
archers are trying to take care of one of their own. It's all about
participants coming together for the common good, something for which
Archers for Christ is well known.
“We are appreciative of
everyone who has supported us,” said Daniel Winters, public
relations spokesman for Archers for Christ. “We're raising money
for a beneficial cause, and it makes me feel good personally the way
fellow shooters are reaching out to one of their own.”
Drawings for door prizes take place at 5 p.m. today. Those who
contributed to the benefit shoot had their names entered into the
drawing. There is a free concert and barbecue at 6 tonight at the
covered pavilion next to Love Civic Center. Cost for the meal is $7.50
per person.
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