Rimini, Italy – The Panathlon Club of Rimini recently hosted a compelling discussion centered around archery as an inclusive sport, featuring key figures from the Italian archery world and local athletes. The event, held Tuesday, March 24th at the Hotel Vienna Ostenda, highlighted the sport’s ability to break down barriers and foster participation for athletes of all abilities.
The meeting brought together Vittorio Polidori, the newly elected President of the Italian Archery Federation (FITARCO) for the 2025-2028 term, FITARCO Federal Councilor Elena Forte, and Fabio Rotella, President of the Arcieri Seven Arrows of Rimini. The focus was on the potential of archery to promote inclusivity, nurture young talent, and the evolving landscape of the sport as it looks toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Several accomplished archers were as well in attendance, including Francesco Gregori, the current Italian absolute champion in the Olympic division, representing the Marina Militare sports group; Noemi Peruzzi, a member of the Italian U18 women’s national team and a team Italian champion in the Olympic bow; Jacopo Polidori, a former European indoor champion; and Carlotta Cimino, a promising young athlete from Seven Arrows. Their presence underscored the growing success and depth of talent within the Italian archery community.
Panathlon Club President, attorney Riguzzi, opened the evening by reflecting on the historical and mythological significance of archery, referencing figures like Philoctetes and Robin Hood. He emphasized archery’s potential as a tool for social inclusion, drawing a parallel between the archer’s seemingly paradoxical path to the target – a wavering arrow still finding its mark – and the challenges of life. Riguzzi noted that the sport’s inherent adaptability makes it uniquely suited to accommodate athletes with a wide range of physical, motor, intellectual, or relational disabilities.
Vittorio Polidori, a veteran of the sport and former Technical Director of the Italian national team that secured a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, outlined the various disciplines and equipment used in archery competitions. He announced a significant development for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics: the introduction of the compound bow in the mixed team event, alongside the traditional recurve bow. The Olympic program will now feature competitions for both bow styles, with a total of 128 athletes, equally divided between men, and women. FITARCO is currently led by Polidori.
As President of FITARCO, Polidori outlined his vision for strengthening the technical structure and youth sectors of the federation. His plans include creating a new platform to expand the base of young archers, enhancing support for local clubs, and collaborating with the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and the Italian Federation of Sports for the Disabled (FISDIR) to secure funding and modernize the sport. He also mentioned exploring partnerships with the Institute for Credit for Sports and Culture.
Federal Councilor Elena Forte, a significant female voice within the FITARCO Council, spoke to the technical aspects of archery, emphasizing that the sport demands concentration, mental control, and self-awareness rather than brute strength. She highlighted the opportunity for athletes with and without disabilities, including “pararchers,” to compete together, breaking down both physical and psychological barriers. Forte, an Olympic athlete herself at the 1992 Barcelona Games and a former coach of the Italian women’s national team, stressed the importance of archery in fostering concentration, self-control, and patience, promoting a balance between mind and body.
The Arcieri Città di Rimini “Seven Arrows,” represented by President Rotella, was founded in 2005 and affiliated with FITARCO with the goal of promoting and developing the sport of archery. The club offers introductory courses and training opportunities for athletes of all levels, and has previously hosted Italian Championships and international competitions between 2013 and 2016. In 2025, Seven Arrows began developing an open-air archery range on 12,000 square meters of land in Vergiano, adjacent to the Parco degli Artisti, on the site of a former shooting range.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of archery’s broader social impact. As President Riguzzi stated, archery is not simply about hitting a target, but about creating opportunities for socialization and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. In line with this commitment, the Arcieri Città di Rimini affiliated with FISDIR last year, further solidifying their dedication to inclusive sports practices.
The Panathlon Club of Rimini expressed its gratitude to Domenico Cimino for organizing the event, which was met with enthusiasm and appreciation from all attendees. The meeting served as a powerful reminder of archery’s potential to transcend physical limitations and foster a more inclusive sporting community.
Looking ahead, the Italian archery federation, under the leadership of Vittorio Polidori, is focused on building a strong foundation for future success, both on and off the field. The introduction of compound archery at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics represents a significant milestone for the sport, and the commitment to inclusivity promises to broaden its appeal and impact.
