Angoulême, France – The Fédération Française de Tir à l’Arc (FFTA) has taken a significant step toward bolstering its societal and financial foundations with the official launch of the “Viser Juste” (Aim True) Foundation. Announced on March 22, 2026, the foundation, operating under the umbrella of the Fondation du Sport Français, signals a growing trend within French sport: leveraging public benefit as a driver for development and sustainability.
The creation of the Viser Juste Foundation isn’t merely symbolic; it addresses concrete needs. Financially, the FFTA aims to diversify its funding streams by tapping into philanthropic contributions from individuals and corporations. Strategically, the funds raised will be allocated to projects initiated by the federation’s 1,600 clubs and partner organizations, strengthening the sport’s local presence and fostering social innovation. This move comes as federations increasingly seek to expand their influence beyond athletic performance alone, aligning with evolving institutional and societal expectations.
“This initiative aims to diversify funding sources and more broadly support structuring projects,” explained Julien Megret, President of the FFTA, emphasizing the goal of imbuing sporting practice with greater meaning. The foundation’s launch represents a professionalization of the FFTA’s approach to impact and engagement.
Four Pillars of Impact: Youth, Inclusion, Heritage, and Performance
The Viser Juste Foundation is built around four key priorities: youth and citizenship, inclusion and para-archery, heritage and culture, and performance. This structure reflects a commitment to supporting the entire spectrum of archery, from grassroots development to elite athlete support. The foundation intends to broaden participation in the sport, particularly among young people and individuals with disabilities. It will act as a catalyst for local projects often hampered by limited resources, recognizing the educational value of archery as a tool for personal growth and civic engagement.
Beyond accessibility, the foundation will as well focus on preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of archery. Certain archery practices are recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, and the foundation intends to play a role in their protection and celebration. This focus on heritage also presents opportunities to enhance the sport’s image and visibility.
The foundation also acknowledges the needs of high-performance athletes, offering support to help them balance their sporting careers with educational or professional pursuits. This is a critical component in retaining talent and ensuring long-term stability for France’s archery program.
This approach aligns with a broader trend in French sport, where federations are increasingly utilizing philanthropic tools to strengthen their social utility and attract private investment. Thierry Braillard, President of the Fondation du Sport Français, highlighted the potential of sport to act as a “lever for social cohesion” and mobilize new forms of engagement. The Fondation du Sport Français, recognized for its public benefit status, promotes sport as a vehicle for social inclusion and facilitates both individual and corporate engagement in sports-related philanthropy.
Expanding Access and Supporting Clubs
The funds collected by the Viser Juste Foundation will be crucial for supporting initiatives at the club level. With 1,600 clubs forming the backbone of the French archery network, the foundation aims to empower these organizations to develop innovative social programs. This could include initiatives to introduce archery to underserved communities, create adaptive archery programs for individuals with disabilities, or preserve traditional archery techniques.
The foundation’s focus on inclusion is particularly noteworthy. Para-archery, the sport’s adaptation for athletes with disabilities, is gaining prominence globally, and the Viser Juste Foundation will play a key role in supporting its development within France. This includes providing resources for clubs to become more inclusive and supporting para-archers in their pursuit of excellence.
The emphasis on youth and citizenship underscores the FFTA’s commitment to using archery as a tool for education and social responsibility. By introducing young people to the sport, the foundation hopes to instill values such as discipline, focus, and respect.
A New Era for French Archery
The launch of the Viser Juste Foundation marks a new chapter for the FFTA, signaling a commitment to broadening its impact beyond the competitive arena. By embracing a philanthropic model, the federation is positioning itself for long-term sustainability and relevance in a rapidly changing sporting landscape. The foundation’s success will depend on its ability to attract funding and effectively allocate resources to projects that align with its core values of youth, inclusion, heritage, and performance.
The FFTA’s move reflects a growing recognition within the sports world that federations have a responsibility to contribute to society beyond simply producing elite athletes. The Viser Juste Foundation is a testament to this evolving mindset, and its impact will be closely watched by other sporting organizations in France and beyond.
The next step for the FFTA and the Viser Juste Foundation will be to actively solicit donations and begin awarding grants to support impactful projects. Details on how to contribute and apply for funding will be available on the foundation’s website, linked here.
What are your thoughts on the FFTA’s new foundation? Share your comments below and let us know how you suppose this initiative will impact the future of archery in France!
