TULUM, Mexico – Omar Echeverría Espinoza, originally from Mérida, Yucatán, has traveled an extraordinary path from being a young sports enthusiast to a renowned Paralympic athlete and promoter of archery in Tulum. His story is a testament to resilience and perseverance, showing how, despite facing significant adversities, he has transformed his life and now seeks to inspire others.
Omar arrived in Tulum in the 1990s, when this now-famous tourist destination began developing. At the age of 17, he suffered a life-changing car accident. Without insurance or financial support, Omar did not let circumstances defeat him. Instead of giving up, he found a way to overcome his physical and emotional limitations in art and sports.
His passion for sports led him to specialize in archery. This focus allowed him to achieve significant accomplishments in the sports arena, winning medals in national and international tournaments, including the Pan American Games and Mexican Grand Prix. However, one of his most notable achievements was his participation in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where he became the first representative in his category to compete in this prestigious event.
Despite these achievements, the lack of accessibility in Tulum forced Omar to move to Playa del Carmen. He dedicated himself to creating handcrafts there, which he still sells today. Nevertheless, his heart was always tied to Tulum, and his desire to find a suitable space for practicing archery led him to make a pivotal decision: return to Tulum and open an archery club.
The Tulum Archery Club was born from Omar’s vision to provide a place where people could learn and practice archery. Although the journey has not been easy, and the project is not yet fully completed, Omar has been teaching and creating enriching experiences for those interested in this sport for three months. The club has become the first archery field created and led by a Paralympic athlete and has fostered an inclusive and active community.
The cost of classes at the Tulum Archery Club is voluntary, allowing more people to discover and enjoy the sport without financial barriers. Omar emphasizes that the purpose is to offer the opportunity to experience the satisfaction of shooting arrows and understand the value of breathing, posture, and concentration in archery. This holistic approach promotes a break from daily routines and contributes to participants’ physical and mental well-being.
Additionally, the club offers equipment rentals, including bows and arrows, for 200 pesos per person for a one-and-a-half-hour session. To ensure the availability of space and equipment and to receive personalized instruction from Omar, it is necessary to make an appointment by contacting him at 984 116 3921. Classes are held on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. and on Sundays at noon and 4 p.m. Both individual and group classes are available, tailored to the needs and skill levels of the participants.
Omar Echeverría Espinoza has created a space for practicing archery and a gathering place for the community, where people of all ages can have fun, learn, and build meaningful connections. His dedication and effort are an inspiring example of how sports can transform lives and strengthen communities.
Through the Tulum Archery Club, Omar is fulfilling his dream of contributing to the culture of Tulum, the place that has given him so much. His story reminds us that, with determination and passion, it is possible to overcome adversities and achieve extraordinary goals.
Follow Tulum Archery Club on Instagram: @tulumarcheryclub
