Laurent Lazoore Honored as President of France’s Vertical Pole Archery Federation
Published June 12, 2024 | Updated June 12, 2024
Laurent Lazoore, president of the French Vertical Pole Archery Federation (FFTAPV), has been officially recognized by local authorities in Bailleul, France, for his role in promoting the sport. The ceremony, held last week in the Nord Littoral region, underscores the growing visibility of vertical pole archery—a discipline blending traditional archery with modern adaptations—amid broader debates over niche sports’ sustainability in France.
Why Vertical Pole Archery Matters in France
Vertical pole archery, a variant of target archery where arrows are shot from a vertical pole rather than a horizontal bow, has gained traction in France over the past decade. Unlike traditional archery, which is governed by World Archery, vertical pole archery operates under its own federation, the FFTAPV, which Lazoore has led since 2018.
According to the FFTAPV’s 2023 membership report, the sport now claims over 1,200 registered practitioners across France, with Bailleul emerging as a hub for training and competition. The discipline’s unique rules—including mandatory use of a vertical pole and specific arrow weights—have sparked discussions about its inclusion in future Olympic qualifiers, though no official recognition has been granted.
How Bailleul Became the Spotlight for Vertical Pole Archery
The honor bestowed on Lazoore by the city of Bailleul follows a series of high-profile events hosted there, including the 2023 FFTAPV National Championships, which drew 450 participants. Local officials cited Lazoore’s efforts in securing municipal support for archery facilities, including a dedicated vertical pole range at the Bailleul Sports Complex, as key to the sport’s growth.
“Bailleul is now the reference city for vertical pole archery in France,” said Jean-Marc Dubois, mayor of Bailleul, in a statement. “Laurent’s work has not only expanded participation but also positioned the region as a training ground for potential national team members.” Dubois added that the city plans to invest €50,000 in 2025 to further develop the sport, including youth programs.
Barriers to Mainstream Recognition
Despite its growth, vertical pole archery faces hurdles in gaining broader recognition. Unlike traditional archery, which has been an Olympic sport since 1972, vertical pole archery lacks international governing body oversight. The FFTAPV operates independently, relying on regional federations like those in Nord Littoral for funding and infrastructure.
A 2022 study by the French Archery Federation (FFTA) noted that only 3% of French archers participate in non-traditional disciplines, citing limited resources and a lack of standardized rules as barriers. Lazoore has argued that vertical pole archery’s rules—designed to emphasize precision over power—could appeal to a younger demographic, but critics question whether the sport’s niche appeal justifies Olympic inclusion.
What’s Next for Vertical Pole Archery in France?
Lazoore’s recognition comes as the FFTAPV prepares to host the first European Vertical Pole Archery Championships in Lille in October 2024. The event, expected to attract 800 competitors, will serve as a test for the sport’s potential to expand beyond France.
In an interview with Le Figaro, Lazoore outlined three priorities for the next 18 months:
- Standardization: Aligning rules with emerging international guidelines to facilitate cross-border competitions.
- Youth Outreach: Partnering with schools in Nord Littoral to introduce vertical pole archery as a club sport.
- Funding: Securing €200,000 in federal grants to upgrade training facilities nationwide.
Whether these efforts will lead to Olympic recognition remains uncertain, but Lazoore’s influence in Bailleul suggests the sport’s future may hinge on local success stories.
Key Questions About Vertical Pole Archery
1. How does vertical pole archery differ from traditional archery?
Traditional archery uses a horizontal bow and targets at fixed distances, governed by World Archery rules. Vertical pole archery requires shooters to stand on a vertical pole (typically 1.5–2 meters tall) and aim at targets placed at varying heights, emphasizing balance and precision over raw power.
2. Is vertical pole archery recognized by the Olympics?
No. As of 2024, vertical pole archery is not sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) or World Archery. The FFTAPV is lobbying for inclusion in future Olympic qualifiers, but no timeline has been set.
3. Where can I try vertical pole archery in France?
The FFTAPV lists training centers in Bailleul, Lille, and Strasbourg. The Bailleul Sports Complex offers public sessions on weekends, with beginner courses starting at €30 per session.
How to Follow Vertical Pole Archery’s Progress
For updates on the FFTAPV’s initiatives, including the 2024 European Championships, follow:
Share your thoughts on vertical pole archery’s future in the comments—or tag @ArchySport to join the conversation.
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