Panathlon Rimini hosted a special evening dedicated to archery as an inclusive sport on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Hotel Vienna Ostenda in Rimini, Italy. The event brought together athletes, federation leaders and local sports officials to discuss the role of archery in promoting social inclusion and developing young talent.
The Arcieri Città di Rimini “Seven Arrows” served as the featured guests, presenting on the theme “Tiro con l’arco tra sport e inclusione” (Archery between sport and inclusion). Their presentation highlighted how the sport welcomes participants of diverse ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Notable attendees included Vittorio Polidori, newly elected President of the Italian Archery Federation (FITARCO) for the 2025-2028 quadrennium; Elena Forte, FITARCO Federal Councilor; and Fabio Rotella, President of Arcieri Seven Arrows. The gathering as well featured several accomplished archers: Francesco Gregori, recent Italian absolute champion in the Olympic division; Noemi Peruzzi, Italian team champion in Olympic archery; Jacopo Polidori, a former European indoor champion; and Carlotta Cimino, a rising prospect from Seven Arrows.
Panathlon Rimini President Attorney Riguzzi opened the evening by reflecting on archery’s historical and mythological significance, referencing figures from Philoctetes to Robin Hood. He introduced the “archer’s paradox” as a metaphor for perseverance—explaining how an arrow, despite oscillating during flight, still finds its target, much like individuals overcoming life’s challenges to reach their goals.
In his address, Vittorio Polidori detailed the various disciplines within competitive archery and the equipment used in international competitions. He confirmed that the mixed team compound archery event will debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games alongside the traditional recurve bow events, marking an evolution in the sport’s Olympic program.
The discussion emphasized archery’s accessibility as a lifelong sport that supports physical coordination, mental focus, and social integration. Representatives from Seven Arrows shared insights into their youth development programs and community outreach initiatives designed to make archery available to underrepresented groups.
Such events organized by Panathlon clubs across Italy aim to highlight lesser-known sports that contribute significantly to community well-being and athletic diversity. The Rimini chapter has consistently used its monthly gatherings to foster dialogue between sports organizations and promote values aligned with the Panathlon International charter, including ethics, solidarity, and fair play.
Looking ahead, FITARCO continues to prepare for the 2028 Olympic cycle, with increased focus on expanding participation in both recurve and compound disciplines. The inclusion of mixed team compound in Los Angeles 2028 represents a key milestone in the federation’s strategic development plan.
For ongoing updates on Italian archery initiatives, athlete development programs, and upcoming competitions, readers are encouraged to consult official FITARCO communications and regional committee announcements.
What are your thoughts on how traditional sports like archery can foster inclusion in modern communities? Share your perspective in the comments below or join the conversation on social media using #ArcheryForAll.
