Sports

4-Year-Old Archer Makes Her Mark

The Disney Pixar movie, "Merida," sparked Vincenza Maxine Cianfrocca's interest in archery.

The first time she saw the Disney Pixar movie, Merida, little Vincenza Maxine Cianfrocca of Riverview became obsessed with the sport of archery.

In the movie, Princess Merida is one of the most skilled archers in the kingdom, beating out her male rivals.

"V was fascinated by how this girl was shooting arrows," said her mom, Jessica Cianfrocca. "So, last Christmas, her aunt and uncle bought her a play bow and arrow set."

Vincenza quickly mastered shooting the arrows outfitted with suction cups. Seeing her progress, her father, Jeremy Cianfrocca, decided to buy her a real child-size bow and arrow set for her fourth birthday in January.

"We had quite a few looks and gasps," said Jessica Cianfrocca. "But Jeremy worked and practiced with her in our back yard and she still had an interest in it months later. When we noticed an archery store was opening locally, we inquired about lessons, took her to a local expo where she tried out a few other styles of bows, and bought her a more advanced one."

The Cianfroccas signed Vincenza up for weekly lessons at Adventures Archery, 2210 U.S. 301, Tampa. 

"V is not the only girl but she is the youngest there," said Jessica Cianfrocca of her now-4 1/2-year-old daughter. "V looks forward to her lessons every Monday night. She loves her coaches and loves the fact that she is part of a team in a positive atmosphere."

In addition, noted Jessica Cianfrocca, a preschool teacher, the sport of archery has benefits beyond building self esteem.

"Drawing a bow string works the arm and chest muscles, shoulders and back," she noted. "And archery helps you to gain control over your balance and focus. Learning the proper stance, how to 'nock' the bow, all needs eye-hand coordination, and the focus you learn from archery helps you learn to not be distracted."

Vincenza isn't the only child who has become fascinated with the sport after seeing movies like Merida, The Hunger Games and Brave.

"
I see attendance growing among children at Adventures Archery," said Cianfrocca. "We are hoping V grows with it, continues it and maybe someday can participate in some national tournaments. Either way, we are excited and proud of her."

Adventures Archery offers lessons for all ages. Its archery range features 22 lanes, eight of which are designated for children. 

For more information, call 813-644-8700.


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