South Africa’s own “Katniss Everdeen” archer Neve Quail has a shot at competing in the European Youth Cup!
Durban, South Africa (19 May 2025) — A fun evening at Scouts attempting to achieve an Archery badge changed Neve Quail’s life forever. Today, 17-year-old Neve is a skilled archer ranked first in her age group and as the second-highest female recurve archer in South Africa. With multiple records, National colours and podium moments under her belt, Neve’s well on her way to becoming an Olympian. Not to mention, she also has a shot at a huge opportunity ahead of her that would serve her greatly in getting there, the European Youth Cup.
This is an inspiring achievement for any young athlete. However, it’s also an extra special one for the Type 1 Diabetes community.
Neve and her family learned that she had Type 1 Diabetes at just 6 years old. Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, Type 1 is not chalked down to one’s lifestyle. Instead, it is a chronic auto-immune condition often diagnosed early on in life. The pancreas stops insulin production, which means that one essentially has to fill in for the organ (read: a life of maintenance and insulin injections).
Neve is one of those impressive people who, as her mom Heidi shares, has not let her condition stand in her way (even though we’re sure it very well could).
Despite all her training and talent, it’s also her mental fortitude that has led Neve to her big opportunity at the European Youth Cup, an opportunity she’s hoping South Africa will help her see through.
Along with her Team SA counterparts, Neve’s competition at the European Youth Cup could offer a massive boost in how she ranks worldwide, ultimately influencing her participation in events like the World Games and the Youth Olympics.
The South African National Archery Association’s budgetary constraints have meant that the archers need to pay their way.
As Heidi Quail explains, the family are not in a position to pay for Neve’s opportunity. As such, they are holding thumbs that if a lot of people come together to give what they can, Neve could get to make South Africa proud and show the world what her arrows are made of.
You can support Neve’s crowdfund, here.
Sources: Email Submission
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