Rimini Gathering Highlights Archery as a Tool for Social Inclusion and Olympic Growth

In the coastal city of Rimini, Italy, the intersection of athletic excellence and social responsibility took center stage during a special event hosted by Panathlon Rimini. Held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Hotel Vienna Ostenda’s festive hall, the gathering focused on the theme “Tiro con l’arco tra sport e inclusione” (Archery between sport and inclusion), positioning the discipline not just as a competitive pursuit, but as a catalyst for social integration.

The evening served as a platform for the Arcieri Città di Rimini “Seven Arrows” to showcase how archery functions as a formative tool. By bringing together federal leadership, seasoned champions, and rising talents, the event underscored the sport’s ability to bridge gaps and provide a structured path for personal growth across various demographics.

The Metaphor of the Archer’s Paradox

Opening the proceedings, Panathlon President Avv. Riguzzi grounded the evening in the rich history and mythology of the sport, referencing figures from the legendary Philoctetes to Robin Hood. However, Riguzzi shifted the conversation from myth to modern application, emphasizing archery’s role in social inclusion.

A highlight of his address was the discussion of the “archer’s paradox.” In technical terms, this refers to the way an arrow must oscillate or bend during its flight to eventually discover its mark. Riguzzi presented this as a metaphor for the human experience, suggesting that life often involves instability and deviations, yet This proves through these oscillations that one ultimately reaches their destination despite the difficulties encountered along the way.

Leadership and the Future of FITARCO

The event featured significant representation from the Federazione Italiana Tiro con l’Arco (FITARCO). Vittorio Polidori, the Federal President serving the 2025-2028 term, provided a comprehensive overview of the sport’s technical landscape. Polidori detailed the various types of archery and the specific equipment utilized in modern competitions, ensuring the audience understood the nuance between different disciplines.

Joining Polidori were Federal Councilor Elena Forte and Fabio Rotella, the President of the Arcieri Seven Arrows of Rimini. Their presence signaled a unified front between the national governing body and local clubs in promoting the sport’s growth, and accessibility.

A Pipeline of Talent: From Prospects to Champions

The room was not only filled with administrators but with the athletes who embody the sport’s current success. The presence of several high-profile archers provided a tangible example of the “formative” aspect of the Seven Arrows program.

Among the attendees were:

• Francesco Gregori: The newly crowned absolute Italian champion in the Olympic division.
• Noemi Peruzzi: An Italian team champion in the Olympic bow category.
• Jacopo Polidori: A former European indoor champion.
• Carlotta Cimino: A rising young prospect representing the Seven Arrows club.

For those unfamiliar with the structure of the sport, the inclusion of both “Olympic” (recurve) and “Compound” disciplines is a key distinction. While the recurve bow is the traditional staple of the Games, the compound bow—utilizing a system of cables and pulleys—offers a different mechanical challenge and precision level.

Road to Los Angeles 2028: Expanding the Olympic Stage

Beyond the local focus on inclusion, the evening provided a significant update regarding the global trajectory of the sport. President Vittorio Polidori announced a pivotal change for the upcoming Olympic cycle. At the Los Angeles 2028 Games, the compound bow will be introduced in the mixed team specialty.

This addition marks a major milestone for compound archers, who have long sought a foothold in the Olympic program alongside the traditional recurve bow. The introduction of the mixed team format is expected to increase the sport’s visibility and provide more opportunities for athletes to compete on the world’s most prestigious stage.

As FITARCO continues its 2025-2028 quadrennium under Polidori’s leadership, the emphasis remains on expanding the sport’s reach—both through the inclusive initiatives seen in Rimini and the expansion of Olympic categories. The event served as a reminder that while the goal of archery is to hit a target, the journey toward that mark is where the real value of the sport lies.

The next major milestones for the discipline will involve the qualification cycles for the Los Angeles 2028 Games as athletes begin preparing for the newly introduced compound events. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on FITARCO and the road to LA.

Do you feel the inclusion of the compound bow will fundamentally change the viewership of Olympic archery? Let us know in the comments.