Lifetime of Dedication: Dominique Daimay Honored with FFTA Médaille Grand Or

In the world of competitive archery, there are those who master the bow and those who build the stage upon which others excel. Dominique Daimay has spent over four decades doing both. During the 2026 General Assembly of the Fédération française de tir à l’arc (FFTA) held in Angoulême on March 21 and 22, the governing body recognized Daimay’s extraordinary contributions to the sport by awarding him the Médaille Grand Or, the federation’s highest honor for sporting commitment.

For global followers of the sport, the Grand Or is more than a trophy; it is a testament to a lifetime of service. For Daimay, the journey to this podium in Angoulême began long before he entered municipal politics or federation leadership. It started in 1985, when he took his first license at the club de Sigloy, marking the start of a trajectory that would eventually transform archery in the Loiret region of France.

Revitalizing Sully-sur-Loire

The true turning point came in 1990. Upon settling in Sully-sur-Loire, Daimay encountered a local archery club that had fallen into a deep slumber. Where others saw a dormant organization, Daimay saw potential. He stepped into the presidency, a role he would hold for the next 24 years, embarking on a mission to not only wake the club from its sleep but to modernize it entirely.

At the time, the club focused primarily on English target archery. Daimay, however, recognized that the sport could offer more. He introduced “tir nature” (field archery) and 3D archery—disciplines that move the athlete out of the flat range and into the unpredictability of the natural environment. By diversifying the offerings, he expanded the sport’s appeal and laid the groundwork for Sully-sur-Loire to become a hub for competitive archery.

This was a family endeavor from the start. His wife, Monique, was integral to the organization of the club’s activities, while their three daughters—Cécile, Elodie and Gaelle—all took up the bow, embodying the community-centric growth Daimay envisioned for the sport.

Bringing the World to the Loire

Daimay’s ambition extended beyond local membership numbers. He sought to put Sully-sur-Loire on the international map. In 2001, he successfully organized the second edition of the individual French Championship. This success served as a springboard for an even more ambitious project.

In 2003, the town hosted the first-ever 3D World Championship. The event was a masterclass in sports tourism and local integration. The competition courses were carved through the park of the local château and along the banks of the Loire River, blending high-level athleticism with the scenic beauty of the region. The prestige of the event was mirrored in its hospitality; official receptions were held within the château walls to the sound of hunting horns, and the competition concluded with a fireworks display set against the château’s facade.

The momentum continued with another individual French Championship in 2006, cementing the town’s reputation as a premier venue for the sport.

From the Club to the City Hall

By 2014, Daimay’s influence transitioned from club management to civic leadership. He joined the municipal team as the Adjoint aux sports (Sports Deputy), handing over the presidency of the archery club to Jean-Louis Grivot. However, stepping down from the presidency did not imply stepping away from the sport.

Under the continued foundation Daimay built, the club reached new heights. It hosted a third individual 3D French Championship in 2015 and the club team 3D French Championship in 2019. The latter followed a significant victory by the club’s male team at Magny les Hameaux in 2018, proving that the competitive culture Daimay fostered remained vibrant long after his formal tenure as president.

To further support the sport’s integrity and growth, Daimay also trained and served as an arbiter, ensuring that the rules of the game were upheld with the same precision he applied to his administrative work.

A Legacy of Service

Daimay’s impact reaches beyond the FFTA. In 2000, he founded the ASCAL 45 (Association Sportive des Chasseurs à l’Arc du Loiret). He served as its president and instructor from 2000 to 2010 and continues to contribute as a member and honorary president. His commitment to service also extends into the humanitarian sector, where he remains active in various associations.

The Médaille Grand Or is a fitting capstone for a career defined by the belief that sports are a vehicle for community development. From the first license in Sigloy to the fireworks over the Loire, Dominique Daimay’s story is one of transforming a local pastime into a world-class sporting tradition.

The FFTA will continue to recognize outstanding contributions to the sport throughout the 2026 season. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on international archery honors and regional developments.

Do you have a story about a local sporting legend who deserves recognition? Share your thoughts in the comments below.