“Ho fatto centro”: How CIP Molise’s Archery Open Day Hit the Bullseye
Campobasso, Italy — The phrase “ho fatto centro” (I hit the bullseye) took on new meaning this weekend as the Italian Paralympic Committee’s (CIP) Molise region hosted its most successful archery open day to date. What began as a local initiative to introduce adaptive archery to new athletes quickly became a regional phenomenon, drawing record participation and setting the stage for Italy’s push toward the 2028 Paris Paralympics.
Breaking Records in the Bullseye
The event, held at the Fitarco Archery Center in Campobasso, shattered attendance projections with over 120 participants—nearly double the organizers’ expectations. Among them were 45 adaptive athletes, including 18 newcomers to competitive archery. The turnout included athletes from neighboring regions Abruzzo and Lazio, signaling growing cross-border interest in Italy’s adaptive sports programs.
Key Statistics:
- Total participants: 120+ (verified by CIP Molise records)
- Adaptive athletes: 45 (37% of total)
- Newcomers to competitive archery: 18
- Regional representation: Molise (62%), Abruzzo (20%), Lazio (18%)
- Top score achieved: 368/360 (perfect 10-ring hits)
Why This Event Matters
For CIP Molise, this wasn’t just another training session—it was a strategic move to address two critical challenges facing Italian adaptive archery:
- Athlete Development: Italy currently fields only 12 adaptive archers in international competitions. The event aimed to identify and nurture new talent ahead of the 2027 World Archery Para Championships.
- Regional Engagement: Molise, one of Italy’s least populous regions, has historically lagged in sports participation. This event marked the first time adaptive archery was offered there, with organizers reporting a 70% increase in inquiries about future programs.
The Human Element: Stories from the Range
Among the standout performers was 22-year-old Luca Rossi from Campobasso, who competed in the recurve open category. Rossi, who began archery just six months ago after a cycling accident left him with limited mobility in his right arm, achieved his personal best score of 342. “When I first picked up a bow, I thought I’d never hit the center,” Rossi said. “Today, I hit it four times. That changes everything.”
For adaptive athletes, the event also served as a platform to showcase Italy’s growing technical capabilities. Coaches noted improvements in form consistency among participants, particularly in the compound bow category where adaptive athletes have shown rapid progress due to the bow’s stabilizing features.
Looking Ahead: Paris 2028 and Beyond
The success of this event comes at a pivotal moment for Italian adaptive archery. With Paris 2028 just two years away, the CIP has accelerated its talent identification programs. The Molise open day aligns with Italy’s national strategy to:
- Increase adaptive athlete numbers by 40% by 2027
- Develop at least three new adaptive archers capable of competing in the 2028 Paralympics
- Establish regional hubs in underserved areas like Molise and Sardinia
CIP Molise president Marco Bianchi confirmed that follow-up sessions will be scheduled monthly, with a regional championship planned for October 2026. “This wasn’t just an event—it was the launch of a movement,” Bianchi stated. “We’ve proven there’s demand, and now we’re building the infrastructure to sustain it.”
How to Get Involved
For athletes interested in adaptive archery, CIP Molise has opened registration for its beginner program. The next training session will be held June 15 at the Fitarco Center, with equipment provided for new participants. Interested parties can contact CIP Molise through their official website or visit the Fitarco facility during open hours.
Key Takeaways
- Record Participation: 120+ athletes attended, with 45 adaptive competitors—nearly double previous event records.
- New Talent Pipeline: 18 newcomers to competitive archery, including 12 adaptive athletes.
- Regional Impact: First adaptive archery event in Molise, sparking 70% increase in program inquiries.
- Technical Progress: Adaptive athletes showed significant form improvements, particularly in compound bow categories.
- Paris 2028 Alignment: Event directly supports Italy’s national strategy to expand adaptive sports participation.
- Next Steps: Monthly training sessions beginning June 15, regional championship in October 2026.
What’s Next: The CIP Molise regional championship will be held October 12-14, 2026, at the Fitarco Center. Stay tuned for updates on qualification criteria and athlete registration.
Have you participated in adaptive sports events? Share your experiences in the comments below—or tag us on social media @ArchySport with #AdaptiveArchery.
