Archery stalwart Steve Yates has died after a short illness.
His club, the Bowmen of Guernsey said he fought his illness “with strength until the end”.
His death on 27 July was announced “with much sadness” by the club earlier this week.
“Everyone that knew him will know he was the Bowmen of Guernsey, but we will continue to run the club in his memory,” a spokesperson shared.
“Please bear with us as we adjust during this difficult time and please respect his family at this time.”
Mr Yates had been actively involved with the Bowmen of Guernsey for many years, including as Chairman, having been an archer for more than 30 years in total.
He competed himself locally and internationally, and trained others, including his sister and two nieces.
Both his nieces, Zoe and Lisa went on to become multiple-Island Games medalists under his tutelage.
Mr Yates represented Guernsey at each Island Games from 1993 onwards, originally competing before being named team captain.
He organised the archery competition at the 2023 Guernsey Games, before leading the island team in Orkney last year.
He was expected to represent Guernsey again at the 2027 Faroe Island Games.
“I just love it,” he previously told Express.
“I’ve been there at the higher levels and won Island Games medals and won national medals and stuff. But you can do it at whatever level you like, so you can go for the big things if you want to put the hours in but if you want to, you can just have a shoot on a Wednesday and just enjoy yourself.”
Once the shock had subsided, and the news had sunk in Mr Yates told Express that he felt “really proud” and “humbled” with his award.
“It’s a sport and I do it because I love it and if I’m making that impression on people that they want to nominate me for something like this, then I must be doing something right,” he said.
A Celebration of Life for Mr Yates will be held at Les Cotils on Monday 10 August.
