Right on Target: Blind Archery Teacher Bo Diaz

Connecticut resident Roberto “Bo” Diaz was a U.S. Marine and a firefighter for almost 23 years when he lost his eyesight due to a line-of-duty injury. This has not slowed Bo down. Last year he was the winner of a 2011 NFB scholarship. This year he graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Connecticut and plans to teach American history to at-risk youth.

Involved in archery since he was very young, Bo has been teaching archery to kids with burn injuries, including blind/visually impaired kids, at the Arthur C. Luf Children’s Burn Camp. In 2010 he became the first legally blind state-certified archery instructor in Connecticut. This summer he volunteered to teach archery to Enchanted Hills Campers.Bo Diaz (left) demonstrates archery technique to camper Ian Snow
“At first the kids were apprehensive [about archery], but they got more confident and really enjoyed themselves. Archery is such a great opportunity to build character and self-esteem.” He began by teaching the young campers to use spatial awareness and body positioning to shoot their arrows accurately. “By placing a marker or digging a small rut in the ground and using this to position off of, the kids learned how to hold their bodies so that their arrow meets the target. Some of the campers really took to it. Camper Marissa could make a great certified archery instructor one day,” said Bo.
Camper Marissa Croff pulls bowstring and aims arrow
We’re very fortunate to have Bo’s participation this summer. “With patience and enthusiasm, Bo dedicated hours instructing campers of all abilities and skill levels”, said Camp Director Tony Fletcher. “Having him join our staff this summer was one of our program highlights.”

One thought on “Right on Target: Blind Archery Teacher Bo Diaz”

  1. Very good initiative Bo, I must say….teaching is a work of great patience and it becomes doubles when your subject like archery..great job!

Comments are closed.