From Healing to Homelessness: The Club’s Sudden Eviction

According to verified statements from club organizers and local officials, the Club d’Arc de Campanet per Dones amb Càncer de Mama—an archery program specifically designed for breast cancer survivors—was informed in late May that its lease at the municipal sports complex would not be renewed. The decision came without prior consultation or warning, leaving the club’s 42 members, all women in various stages of cancer recovery, scrambling to secure a new training space.

The club’s founder, María López (name changed for privacy), told ArchySport in a verified interview that the group had been training at the facility since 2019 under a verbal agreement with the municipality. “We never had a written contract, but we were always told we could stay as long as we needed,” López said. “Now, suddenly, we’re being told we have to leave by July 1st.”

Key verified details:

• The club operates under the umbrella of Fundación Arc y Vida, a non-profit that uses archery as therapeutic tool for cancer patients.
• Members pay a nominal fee of €15/month to cover equipment and insurance, with some subsidies provided by local health services.
• The municipal sports complex in Campanet, where the club trained, has capacity for 50 archers but was primarily used for school programs and occasional public events.
• No alternative facility has been offered by the municipality despite repeated requests from the club.

More Than Just a Training Space: The Therapeutic Value of Archery

For the women involved, this isn’t just about finding a new place to shoot arrows—it’s about maintaining a critical part of their recovery. Studies published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship consistently show that archery programs for cancer survivors improve physical strength, mental resilience, and social connection. The Mallorca club, in particular, has documented cases where participants regained lost motor skills and reported significant reductions in anxiety.

“Archery gives these women something to focus on beyond their treatment,” explained Dr. Carlos Mendoza, a sports psychologist affiliated with the University of Balearic Islands who has studied the program. “The precision required, the rhythm of the breath, the community—it’s all part of rebuilding confidence.”

What the loss of the facility means:

• Physical health risks: Many members rely on the club’s equipment (recurve bows, finger tabs, and protective gear) which they cannot afford to replace individually.
• Mental health setbacks: The club’s group sessions provide structured social interaction, which is often limited for cancer survivors due to treatment schedules and fatigue.
• Program sustainability: Without a guaranteed venue, the club risks losing its non-profit status and ability to secure grants from organizations like the European Archery Federation.

Geographic context: Campanet is a mid-sized municipality in Mallorca’s northern region, approximately 20 kilometers from Palma. The island’s healthcare system, while robust, has limited specialized rehabilitation programs for cancer survivors, making community-based initiatives like this archery club particularly valuable.

A Timeline of the Crisis—and the Fight Back

The club’s struggle has unfolded in three distinct phases, each revealing deeper systemic issues:

Reader clarification: If you’re wondering why a municipal government would prioritize youth sports over a cancer survivor program, it’s worth noting that in Spain, local authorities often face pressure to allocate resources to high-visibility initiatives. However, this case highlights how vulnerable populations can fall through the cracks when decisions are made without consultation.

The Economics of Inclusion: How Much Does Accessibility Cost?

To understand the scale of the challenge, let’s break down the verified financial and logistical realities:

For context, the average annual budget for a similar therapeutic archery program in the UK is approximately €80,000, with significant government subsidies. In Spain, such programs typically rely on a mix of municipal funding, private donations, and participant fees—none of which are guaranteed in this case.

Who’s Fighting for the Club—and Who’s Silent?

The controversy has drawn responses from three key groups:

1. The Survivors

The women involved are the most vocal advocates for the club’s survival. Many have shared personal stories in local media, emphasizing how archery has been a lifeline during treatment. “I can’t even describe what it’s like to be told you can’t come back,” said Ana Martínez, a 52-year-old member who completed chemotherapy last year. “It’s like being told you’re not allowed to breathe.”

2. Local Politicians

Campanet’s mayor, Jordi Riera (Partido Popular), has defended the decision, stating in a municipal press release that “all sports programs must adhere to the same rules.” However, opposition councilors from Podemos Mallorca have criticized the lack of transparency, with Carla Serrano calling it “a clear case of administrative abandonment of a vulnerable group.”

3. The Archery Community

The Real Federación Española de Tiro con Arco has offered to mediate but stopped short of publicly condemning the municipality. “We’re exploring all legal avenues to support the club,” said federation spokesperson Luis Fernández. Meanwhile, the European Archery Federation has expressed concern but deferred to national authorities.

Notable silence: The Balearic Islands health department, which partially funds the program, has not issued a public statement despite repeated requests from ArchySport. This omission has fueled speculation that political pressure may be at play.

The Road Ahead: Three Possible Outcomes

Based on verified developments, three scenarios are emerging:

1. Legal victory: The club’s lawyers have filed a complaint with the Balearic Islands Ombudsman, arguing that the municipality violated its obligation to consult with non-profit organizations. A decision is expected within 60 days.
2. Temporary relocation: The club has secured a short-term lease at a private archery range in Binissalem (15 km from Campanet) starting July 1. However, this solution is unsustainable long-term due to higher costs and travel barriers for some members.
3. Program dissolution: If no resolution is found by September, organizers warn the club may be forced to close, leaving dozens of women without their primary support network.

Next confirmed checkpoint: The Balearic Islands government is scheduled to review the case at its next social services committee meeting on July 10, 2024 (local time, UTC+2). A decision on potential funding or venue allocation is expected by July 20.

How You Can Help—or Follow the Story

What we have is a story that transcends sports—it’s about healthcare, community, and the right to access physical activity. Here’s how to stay informed or get involved: