Castelsarrasin, France – The Compagnie des archers de Castelsarrasin recently hosted a highly successful archery competition featuring nearly 200 participants. The event, held in the open countryside, drew archers from the Occitanie, Aquitaine and Vendée regions of France, competing in a unique target archery format using animal-themed targets.
The competition, which concluded on March 5, 2026, was praised for its organization and the spirit of camaraderie among the competitors. The success of the event was significantly aided by the support of the Castelsarrasin municipality, with organizers extending gratitude to Mayor Jean-Philippe Bésiers, Frédéric Bugnone of the departmental archery committee, the CDOS (Comité Départemental Olympique et Sportif), and Gilbert Maureau, president of the OMS (Office Municipal des Sports), for their collaborative efforts.
Beyond the municipal support, the smooth running of the tournament relied on the dedication of several individuals. Xavier Berthelot and Michel Boissonnet served as the event’s arbiters, with Boissonnet also acting as captain of the Compagnie des archers de Castelsarrasin. Archers from the clubs Marquis de Pompignan and Verdun-sur-Garonne also contributed significantly, assisting with the operation of the refreshment stand, food service, and the setup of the competition grounds.
The captain of the Compagnie des archers de Castelsarrasin expressed a desire to establish this competition as an annual event, aiming to foster the growth of archery in the region and promote the sport in a welcoming and competitive environment. The goal is to build on this year’s success and continue to attract archers from across France.
Several archers representing Castelsarrasin achieved notable results during the competition. Cyprien Deleuze and Marie Debart both secured first-place finishes, while Azzhiri Clémence finished in second place and Christophe Gros placed fifth. Organizers are hopeful that even more local archers will distinguish themselves in future editions of the tournament.
Archery, a sport demanding precision, focus, and physical control, continues to gain popularity across Europe. Events like the one in Castelsarrasin play a vital role in nurturing this growth, providing opportunities for archers of all levels to compete and refine their skills. The unique format of shooting at animal-themed targets adds an element of visual interest and challenge to the traditional sport.
The success of this tournament underscores the strong community support for archery in the Tarn-et-Garonne department. The collaboration between the local municipality, archery clubs, and dedicated volunteers demonstrates a shared commitment to promoting athletic activity and fostering a vibrant sporting culture. For those interested in learning more about the Archers de Castelsarrasin, their website can be found at https://www.arcastelsarrasin.com/.
Looking ahead, the Compagnie des archers de Castelsarrasin is already planning for next year’s competition, aiming to build on the momentum generated by this year’s event. The organizers are committed to providing a high-quality experience for all participants and continuing to contribute to the development of archery in the region. The Fédération Française de Tir à l’Arc (French Archery Federation) also lists the event on their website: https://www.ffta.fr/epreuve/18709.
The next scheduled event for the Archers de Castelsarrasin is currently unconfirmed, but updates and information will be posted on their official website as they become available. Keep an eye on their page for details on upcoming training sessions, local competitions, and opportunities to get involved in the sport of archery.
