ANGOULÊME, France – The Fédération Française de Tir à l’Arc (FFTA) officially launched its new foundation, “Viser Juste” (Aim True), during its General Assembly held in Angoulême on Sunday, March 22nd. The foundation, operating under the aegis of the Fondation du Sport Français, aims to leverage the sport of archery as a catalyst for positive social change, supporting projects with significant societal impact.
The initiative represents a significant step for the FFTA, signaling a commitment to broaden the reach of archery beyond athletic competition and into areas of inclusion, education, and community development. For those unfamiliar, archery has a long and storied history, and this foundation seeks to build on that legacy by making the sport accessible to a wider range of individuals and communities.
A Social and Societal Ambition
Viser Juste is designed to be a driving force behind impactful initiatives. Funding will be secured through philanthropic contributions from individuals and corporations, with funds then redistributed to support a diverse range of projects. These projects can be initiated directly by the FFTA, its network of 1,600 clubs, and regional organizations, but are also open to any organization pursuing social development through sport. This open approach is intended to maximize the foundation’s impact across France and among varied populations.
Four Strategic Pillars for Launch
The foundation will initially focus its efforts on four key thematic areas, reflecting the core values and potential of archery:
- Youth & Citizenship: Promoting archery among young people through educational and civic projects, fostering values like concentration, respect, and self-control.
- Inclusion & Para-Archery: Increasing accessibility to the sport for individuals with disabilities and supporting clubs in becoming inclusive environments.
- Heritage & Culture: Preserving and celebrating the historical richness and traditions of archery, some of which are recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
- Performance Program: Supporting elite archers in balancing demanding athletic careers with academic pursuits or professional development.
Champions Leading the Charge
The project is spearheaded by prominent figures in French sport who believe in the societal role of archery. Sébastien Flute, Olympic champion and President of the Viser Juste Foundation, expressed his pride in the launch, stating, “As president of the Viser Juste Foundation, I am proud to announce its launch to support projects with social impact carried out by the federation and its 1600 clubs. Archery has given me a lot since my first arrows, and thanks to the Viser Juste Foundation, I am convinced that we will be able to support initiatives with a strong impact to support the development of our sport. Our ambition is to strengthen and develop federal projects in order to give more meaning to sporting practice and contribute positively to society, going far beyond the field.”
Julien Megret, President of the FFTA, emphasized the transformative nature of the initiative. “The launch of the Viser Juste Foundation marks a major milestone in the history of the FFTA. It reflects our desire to go further, by mobilizing new energies to serve an archery that is more inclusive, more committed and more accessible. It allows us to diversify our sources of funding and more broadly support structuring projects for our discipline. It is a decisive step in growing our sport, closer to archers and territories.”
The foundation also benefits from the support of the Fondation du Sport Français. Thierry Braillard, President of the Fondation du Sport Français, added, “The arrival of the Viser Juste Foundation under the aegis of the Fondation du Sport Français is a major step. This project transforms archery into a powerful lever for social cohesion. We are proud to support this ambition which mobilizes the generosity of all to make sport more accessible and more solidarity-based.”
This foundation isn’t simply about funding; it’s about creating a network and a movement. The FFTA’s extensive network of clubs – numbering 1,600 across France – will be instrumental in implementing these initiatives at the grassroots level, ensuring that the benefits reach communities nationwide.
What This Means for the Future of French Archery
The creation of Viser Juste signals a strategic shift for the FFTA, moving beyond traditional sporting development to embrace a broader social mission. This approach aligns with a growing trend in sports organizations worldwide, recognizing the power of sport to address societal challenges and promote positive values. The foundation’s focus on inclusion, in particular, is noteworthy, aiming to break down barriers to participation and create opportunities for individuals of all abilities.
The emphasis on supporting elite athletes’ academic and professional development is also a forward-thinking move. Recognizing that athletic careers are often finite, the foundation aims to equip archers with the skills and qualifications they need to succeed beyond the sport, ensuring a sustainable future for these athletes.
For those interested in learning more about the foundation and its projects, the official website is https://Fondationviserjuste.sportetfondations.fr.
Next Up: The FFTA will continue to roll out details on specific projects supported by the Viser Juste Foundation in the coming months. Archery fans can stay updated through the FFTA’s official website and social media channels.
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