Belforte del Chienti, a small town in the Marche region of Italy, is preparing to become the national capital of archery this weekend. From March 21st to 22nd, the town will host the 24th Italian Team Championships, the first major national outdoor event of the season. The competition is expected to draw nearly 300 athletes, coaches, and support staff from across Italy to the municipal sports field.
The event represents a significant sporting competition and a valuable showcase for the local area. Organized by the Arcieri del Medio Chienti archery club, with the patronage of the Municipality of Belforte del Chienti and the Monti Azzurri Mountain Union, the championships promise a weekend of intense competition and community engagement.
“It’s a great honor for Belforte del Chienti to host the Italian Team Championships of archery,” said Mayor Alessio Vita. “This event represents a significant sporting showcase for our territory and demonstrates the importance of the perform carried out by the Arcieri del Medio Chienti. It’s a historic and deeply rooted organization in our town, and I myself have had the honor of being a part of it.” The connection between Belforte and archery is strong, cultivated over years through the dedication of the local sports association.
The Arcieri del Medio Chienti club has grown significantly over the years, becoming a regional reference point for archery and an ambassador for Belforte del Chienti on a national – and increasingly international – stage. The club recently celebrated its 50th Italian championship title, earning a platinum star in recognition of its achievements. “It’s inspiring to see how this association has grown over the years, becoming a point of reference for archery at the territorial level and an ambassador for Belforte del Chienti on the national and increasingly international scene,” continued Mayor Vita.
The impact of the club extends beyond the sporting arena, deeply involving the local community. “Sport, especially in small towns, isn’t just about competition; it’s about aggregation, education, and human and community growth,” Vita explained. “It’s an engine that keeps our town alive and involves young people and families. Currently, the Arcieri del Medio Chienti has 92 members, representing 5% of Belforte del Chienti’s population.”
Thirty-two teams will compete over the two days – 16 men’s and 16 women’s – each comprised of three archers from the different disciplines: recurve, compound, and barebow. Athletes will arrive on Saturday, March 21st, for practice and the opening ceremony. Sunday, March 22nd, will see the qualifying rounds, elimination matches, and finals that will determine the national champions. The archers will shoot at targets positioned 25 meters away.
Organizers are confident that the event will be a success, showcasing the best of Belforte del Chienti. “Now, for the Championships, we will welcome 32 teams, and we are convinced that the entire organizational machine, involving associations, volunteers, and local businesses, will convey to the participants the image of a territory that works as a team in sport and in the enhancement of its excellence,” Mayor Vita stated. In keeping with the spirit of promoting the local area, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy local specialties at stands run by Belforte’s producers, operating under the “MagnaForte” brand, which showcases the town’s cuisine throughout the year.
The Italian Archery Federation (Fitarco) too expressed its satisfaction with the event. President Vittorio Polidori highlighted that the Marche event represents “the first national event of the outdoor season and the event that rewards the companies capable of building complete teams in the different disciplines of archery.” For the organizers, it’s a significant recognition. Marco Feliziani, president of the Arcieri del Medio Chienti, emphasized that “It’s an honor for our association to organize these championships and to do so right in Belforte del Chienti, where we have been operating for years and where, thanks to the trust that athletes and administrators have placed in us, we have become a point of reference for this sport in the territory.”
The Italian Team Championships aren’t just about crowning a champion; they’re a celebration of archery’s growing popularity and a testament to the dedication of clubs like the Arcieri del Medio Chienti. For those unfamiliar, team championships in archery differ from individual events, emphasizing strategy and collaboration as teams combine scores across different bow styles to achieve the highest overall result. This format adds a unique dynamic to the competition, requiring teams to field well-rounded rosters.
The event is expected to provide a boost to the local economy, with visitors filling hotels and restaurants in Belforte del Chienti and surrounding areas. The influx of athletes and supporters will also offer a chance to showcase the region’s natural beauty and cultural attractions. The championships are a prime example of how sporting events can contribute to the vitality of smaller communities.
Looking ahead, the Arcieri del Medio Chienti are already planning for the future, aiming to continue their growth and development as a leading archery club in Italy. The success of this weekend’s championships will undoubtedly inspire a novel generation of archers in Belforte del Chienti and beyond.
The next confirmed checkpoint is the conclusion of the championships on Sunday, March 22nd, with the awarding of the national titles. Stay tuned to Archysport for updates and results. What are your predictions for the Italian Team Championships? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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