Settingiano, a small town in the Calabria region of southern Italy, has solidified its reputation as a regional hub for archery after Club Lido claimed the “poker d’oro” at the 2024 Calabrian Archery Championships, according to the Italian Archery Federation (FITA). The victory marks the third consecutive regional title for the club, reinforcing its status as a powerhouse in the discipline. The event, held at the Regional Archery Complex in Cosenza on October 12, saw Club Lido outpace 22 other teams, with a final score of 872 points in the team competition. A spokesperson for the federation confirmed the results, citing official scorecards and tournament records.
What Happened at the Regional Archery Championships?
The 2024 Calabrian Archery Championships featured 342 competitors across six categories, including youth, senior, and master divisions. Club Lido’s team, composed of athletes from Settingiano and neighboring municipalities, dominated the team event with a combined score of 872 points, surpassing the second-place team, Arcieri di Catanzaro, by 47 points. The victory followed a tightly contested individual competition, where Club Lido’s top archer, Marco Fabbri, clinched the men’s open category with a score of 689 out of 720. Fabbri’s performance, verified by tournament officials, included three perfect 10s in the final round, a feat described as “exceptional” by the Calabrian Sports Council.
The championship’s format, which included both target and field archery disciplines, drew participants from across Calabria. The Regional Archery Complex in Cosenza, a state-of-the-art facility completed in 2021, hosted the event, with organizers noting a 20% increase in attendance compared to 2023. “This event is a testament to the growing popularity of archery in our region,” said Elena Marchetti, a spokesperson for the Calabrian Regional Sports Office. “Settingiano’s success reflects the investment in grassroots programs and infrastructure.”
Why Is Settingiano a Hub for Archery?
Settingiano’s rise as an archery stronghold dates back to the early 2000s, when local officials partnered with the Italian Archery Federation to establish a training center. The town, with a population of around 12,000, now boasts two dedicated ranges and a youth development program that has produced multiple national champions. Club Lido, founded in 1998, has been central to this growth, offering free clinics and hosting annual tournaments that attract competitors from across southern Italy.
Giuseppe Rossi, a 45-year-old member of Club Lido and former regional team coach, attributed the club’s success to its focus on “technical precision and mental resilience.” “Archery isn’t just about strength,” Rossi said. “It’s about discipline, and our athletes train year-round, even in the summer heat.” This approach has led to Settingiano’s athletes securing 14 regional titles since 2010, according to the Calabrian Sports Council. The town’s elevation as a “capital of archery” was further cemented in 2022 when it hosted the Southern Italian Archery Championships, drawing over 500 participants.
What Does This Mean for the Region?
Club Lido’s third consecutive regional title has sparked discussions about the long-term impact of archery on Settingiano’s economy and cultural identity. Local businesses, including sports equipment retailers and cafes near the ranges, report a 15% increase in revenue during tournament seasons, according to the Calabrian Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the town’s tourism board has begun promoting archery-themed packages, highlighting the region’s natural landscapes as ideal for outdoor training.
The success of Club Lido also raises questions about the future of archery in Calabria. With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina featuring a new archery venue, regional officials are pushing for increased funding to expand training facilities. “Archery has the potential to become a major sport in Italy,” said Maria Bianchi, a sports policy analyst at the University of Calabria. “Settingiano’s model could serve as a blueprint for other regions looking to develop niche disciplines.”
What’s Next for Club Lido?
Club Lido’s focus now shifts to the 2025 Italian Archery Championships, scheduled for June 15–18 in Verona. The team has already begun preparations, with Fabbri and three other members set to compete
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