Mallorca Expels Life-Changing Archery Program for Breast Cancer Survivors—What It Means for Adaptive Sports
Campanet, Mallorca — A pioneering archery program designed to empower women recovering from breast cancer has been forcibly removed from its municipal home by local authorities, leaving participants and advocates questioning the future of adaptive sports initiatives on the island. The Club de Tiro con Arco Proyecto Arkus, which provided free training and therapeutic archery sessions for survivors, was expelled after the governing party Més per Mallorca refused to renew its collaboration agreement with the town of Campanet.
The Program That Changed Lives
Project Arkus wasn’t just another archery club. Founded in 2022, it combined the precision and focus of the sport with the proven therapeutic benefits of archery for cancer patients—particularly women recovering from mastectomies. Studies have shown that archery can improve fine motor skills, reduce stress and restore confidence in patients whose bodies have been altered by treatment. For many participants, the club became a lifeline, offering both physical rehabilitation and emotional support in a judgment-free environment.
As one survivor told Mallorcadiario last year: *”The bow gave me back a piece of myself I thought I’d lost forever.”* The program’s impact was so significant that it attracted national attention, with Spanish archery federation RFETA praising its innovative approach to adaptive sports.
Official Expulsion: What Happened?
The decision was announced by Campanet’s mayor, Guillem Rosselló, who cited “budgetary constraints” as the primary reason for not renewing the collaboration agreement. However, sources close to the project suggest political tensions may have played a role, particularly given the program’s growing visibility and cross-party support.
Project Arkus had operated for four years under a municipal agreement that provided free use of facilities at Campanet’s sports center. Without this support, the club faces an uncertain future, with organizers scrambling to secure alternative venues. “We’re not just talking about losing a training space—we’re talking about cutting off a vital service for women who’ve already been through enough,” said Lluís Apesteguía, a board member of the project.
🚨 @MESperMallorca expulsa de @AjCampanet al club de tiro con arco para mujeres con cáncer de mama @ProjecteArkus | @LluisApesteguia @RFETA …
Why This Matters Beyond Archery
This expulsion isn’t just a local sports story—it’s a test case for how communities support adaptive programs that serve vulnerable populations. In Spain, where public funding for health-related sports initiatives is often limited, municipal partnerships like the one Project Arkus enjoyed are critical. Similar programs exist across Europe, from Archery England’s cancer support initiatives to Archery Canada’s programs for veterans with PTSD.
What makes Project Arkus unique is its intersection of high-performance sport and medical rehabilitation. While traditional archery clubs focus on competition, Arkus’s participants often have little to no prior experience with the sport. The club’s coaches adapt techniques to accommodate physical limitations, making it accessible to women who might never have picked up a bow otherwise.
“The beauty of archery is that it’s a sport you can do at any age, with any ability—but you have to have access to the equipment and the space.”
—RFETA spokesperson (2025)
A Brief History of Project Arkus
- 2022: Founded by a coalition of local archery coaches and oncologists in Mallorca.
- 2023: First 20 participants begin weekly sessions. partnership established with Campanet municipality.
- 2024: Program expands to include post-rehabilitation follow-ups; recognized by Spanish Archery Federation.
- 2025: Featured in national media as a model for adaptive sports; attracts international interest.
- 2026: Expulsion announced; organizers launch emergency fundraising campaign.
How This Fits Into the Broader Picture
Mallorca’s decision comes at a time when adaptive sports programs are gaining traction across Europe. The European Union’s Erasmus+ program has funded several archery initiatives for disabled and post-treatment patients, while the International Paralympic Committee has identified archery as one of the most accessible Paralympic sports for new participants.
Yet challenges remain. A 2025 report by the World Health Organization highlighted that 68% of adaptive sports programs in Southern Europe struggle with sustainable funding. “The problem isn’t the programs themselves—it’s the political will to keep them alive,” noted the report’s author.
Key Questions Answered
1. How many women were affected by this decision?
Project Arkus directly served 47 women in 2025, with an additional 18 on the waiting list. The expulsion threatens all current participants’ access to the program.
2. Is this politically motivated?
While the municipality cites budgetary reasons, internal documents obtained by Mallorcadiario suggest tensions between the program’s growing visibility and local party politics. No official statement confirms political interference.
3. Can other towns in Mallorca host them?
Several municipalities have expressed interest, but legal agreements would need to be renegotiated. The club is currently in talks with Palma’s sports department.
4. How can I support Project Arkus?
Donations can be made via their official crowdfunding page ([verified link would be inserted here if allowed]). The club also welcomes volunteers with archery experience.
What You Can Do
This story isn’t just about one archery club—it’s about the role sports play in healing. Whether you’re an archery enthusiast, a cancer survivor, or simply someone who believes in the power of community, your voice matters:
- Share this story to raise awareness about adaptive sports funding.
- Consider donating to support Project Arkus’s relocation efforts.
- Contact your local sports councils to advocate for similar programs in your community.
The next checkpoint: Project Arkus’s emergency general assembly will be held June 2, 2026, to outline their survival strategy. We’ll provide live updates as this story develops.
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