Aim for Unity group raises brain health awareness through archery
Aim for Unity, founded by 16-year-old Samuel Kim, brought the sport to the center as part of its mission to raise awareness about dementia and brain health among seniors and the wider community.
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Seniors at the Sunrise Senior Center in Old Tappan traded their usual morning routine for archery this week, thanks to a teen-led organization focused on brain health awareness.
Aim for Unity, founded by 16-year-old Samuel Kim, brought the sport to the center as part of its mission to raise awareness about dementia and brain health among seniors and the wider community.
Kim started Aim for Unity in 2024 after watching his grandmother live with dementia.
“It’s been really sad to see how diseases like dementia changed her life and I know I wanted to do something not only to help her but other people around me as well,” he said.
The session began with warmups before seniors were introduced to the basics of archery. The organization now has 18 coaches who volunteer their time to teach the sport. Coach David said archery has long been a passion for him.
“I grew up with archery. I just love doing this. It’s one of my highlights of my weekends and holidays,” he said.
Organizers emphasized safety, using equipment designed for beginners, including Velcro-tipped arrows instead of sharp points.
Seniors at the center said they enjoyed the experience.
“I love it,” said Gene, a resident at the Sunrise Senior Center.
Aim for Unity hopes to expand the program to reach more senior communities across New Jersey and eventually make it easy for others to replicate the program in their own communities.
