ANGOULÊME, France – The Fédération Française de Tir à l’Arc (FFTA) has taken a significant step toward broadening the reach and impact of archery in France with the launch of the “Viser Juste” (Aim True) Foundation. Officially announced on March 22nd in Angoulême, the foundation aims to support projects leveraging archery as a tool for education, inclusion, and the promotion of core values.
The launch, which took place during the FFTA’s General Assembly, signifies a new chapter for the organization. The foundation will operate under the auspices of the Fondation du Sport Français, providing a framework for philanthropic endeavors and ensuring alignment with national sporting objectives. This initiative comes at a time when sporting organizations are increasingly focused on their societal contributions, extending beyond athletic achievement to address broader community needs.
The FFTA plans to utilize its extensive network – encompassing 1,600 clubs across France – to identify and support impactful local initiatives. Funding will be sourced through a combination of individual donations and corporate partnerships, diversifying the financial base for long-term sustainability. The foundation’s structure is designed to be agile and responsive to emerging needs within the French sporting landscape.
A Foundation Built on Social and Societal Ambition
At its core, the “Viser Juste” Foundation seeks to transform archery from a sport into a vehicle for positive social change. Funds raised will be allocated to support projects not only within the FFTA’s network but also those undertaken by any organization sharing the foundation’s goals. This inclusive approach underscores a commitment to maximizing the sport’s potential as a catalyst for cohesion and accessibility.
“The launch of the ‘Viser Juste’ Foundation marks a major milestone in the history of the FFTA,” said Julien Megret, President of the Fédération Française de Tir à l’Arc. “It reflects our desire to go further, mobilizing new energies to serve archery that is more inclusive, more committed, and more accessible. It allows us to diversify our funding sources and more broadly support structuring projects for our discipline. It is a decisive step in growing our sport, closer to archers and territories.”
Four Strategic Pillars for the Future
The foundation’s efforts will be concentrated around four key areas of intervention, each designed to address specific needs and opportunities within the French community:
- Youth & Citizenship: This pillar focuses on introducing archery to a wider range of young people through educational and civic projects, fostering personal development and respect for rules.
- Inclusion & Para-Archery: The foundation aims to make archery fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, providing clubs with the resources needed to implement inclusive programs.
- Heritage & Culture: Recognizing the historical and cultural significance of archery – including practices inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list – this pillar will support projects dedicated to preserving and promoting this legacy.
- Performance Program: This area will focus on supporting high-performance archers, helping them balance their athletic pursuits with academic or professional careers, ensuring a sustainable future beyond competition.
These four pillars represent a holistic approach, addressing not only the athletic development of archers but also the broader social and cultural impact of the sport. The foundation’s strategy is designed to create a ripple effect, benefiting individuals, communities, and the sport itself.
Championing the Cause: Sébastien Flute Leads the Foundation
Leading the “Viser Juste” Foundation is Olympic champion Sébastien Flute, bringing his experience and passion to the role of President. Flute’s involvement lends significant credibility and visibility to the initiative, inspiring confidence among potential donors and partners.
“As President of the ‘Viser Juste’ Foundation, I am proud to announce its launch to support projects with a social impact carried out by the federation and its 1600 clubs,” Flute stated. “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.”
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.”
The foundation’s launch represents a significant investment in the future of archery in France, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and a vision for the sport’s continued growth and relevance. It’s a move that could serve as a model for other sporting federations looking to expand their impact beyond the playing field.
For more information on the foundation’s projects and how to support its work, visit fondationviserjuste.sportetfondations.fr.
What’s Next: The “Viser Juste” Foundation will begin accepting project proposals from clubs and organizations in the coming weeks. The FFTA is expected to announce the first round of funding recipients in late spring 2026. Keep an eye on the foundation’s website for updates and opportunities to get involved.
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