Antonella Ballarin, a former Italian national team archer and current federal councilor, has transitioned from the shooting line to the page as an illustrator, creating a new educational resource for young archers. Her 64-page book, Have Fun with Archery, introduces children aged six to eight to the sport through writing exercises, logic puzzles, and fundamental archery rules, according to reporting by Fitarco.
From the World Championships to the drawing board
Ballarin’s history in competitive archery is extensive, highlighted by her appearances at the World Championships in Antalya in 1993 and Jakarta in 1995. Following these competitive years, she transitioned into a 26-year career teaching and working within the museum sector in Venice. Her recent shift toward illustration draws on long-standing personal interests in photography and art, combining her professional background with her lifelong dedication to the sport.
Educational outreach in the Veneto region
The development of Have Fun with Archery aims to engage children during their time at the archery range or at home. Ballarin has personally designed all illustrations within the book. To facilitate local access, PDF copies of the Italian version were distributed to all archery clubs throughout the Veneto region. On October 11, 2026, Ballarin met with club representatives to assess the feasibility of mass-producing printed copies for wider distribution.
FITARCO endorses project as book expands beyond Italy
The Italian Archery Federation (FITARCO) has endorsed the project, integrating the book into “Scuola Attiva.” This initiative is designed to introduce primary and kindergarten students to various sports, including archery. Regarding the book’s intent, Ballarin stated that it encourages children to step away from digital screens and engage in tactile, cognitive activities.
The project is now expanding beyond Italy. Ballarin has completed an English translation of the book to reach a broader audience. World Archery Iceland has already secured access to the digital version for local printing, following encouragement from the federation’s president, Gummi Gudjonsson. Ballarin dedicated the work to her late brother-in-law, Fabio Amadi, who earned a silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Paralympic Games.
Frequently asked questions about the project
What is the primary goal of the “Scuola Attiva” integration?
The integration aims to use Ballarin’s book to provide structured, educational entry points for young children learning archery within the Italian school system, focusing on math and logic skills alongside sports rules.
How is the book currently being distributed?
Digital PDF versions have been shared with archery clubs across the Veneto region, with further print distribution currently under discussion following the October 2026 meetings with club leadership.
Who is the target audience for the English edition?
The English translation is intended for an international audience, with the Icelandic Archery Federation serving as the first formal partner to adopt the digital version for local use.
Worth a look
