An archbishop stepping up to an outdoor shooting line with a bow in hand offered a striking visual on a Wednesday afternoon in southern Italy. Metropolitan Archbishop Ciro Miniero of Taranto officially inaugurated the new Archery Center in the San Simone district of Crispiano on October 21, 2026. The ceremony turned an athletic venue built for the Mediterranean Games into a permanent community facility managed by local club Arcieri dello Jonio.
The facility stands as the only center in southern Italy dedicated exclusively to archery. Built as a primary competition venue for the XX Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026, the San Simone complex now transitions from an international showcase into a daily training ground for local athletes. Luca Lopomo joined regional sports officials, local citizens, and Father Francesco Simone of the San Michele Arcangelo parish at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Archbishop Miniero Leads Opening Blessing
Before cutting the ceremonial ribbon, Archbishop Miniero led a gathering of civil and sports authorities in prayer. He drew from the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, specifically referencing athletic discipline and perseverance. The archbishop read passages emphasizing self-control and purposeful running to highlight sport as a tool for social inclusion and healthy competition.
Following the blessing, Archbishop Miniero stepped up to test the equipment himself, taking a symbolic shot on the range. The moment set the tone for an amenity designed to bridge elite international competition with grassroots community access. Management of the facility has been formally handed over to the Arcieri dello Jonio association, led by Antonio Fusti, who spent years working alongside municipal leaders to secure a permanent home for the sport.
From Mediterranean Games Venue to Local Home
The path toward the Archery Center began in 2019 through informal discussions between Mayor Lopomo and club president Antonio Fusti. Those early plans gained momentum when Taranto secured hosting rights for the 2026 Mediterranean Games.
Local athletes are already delivering results that validate the regional investment. At the 2026 Italian Target Championships in Canegrate, young archer Matteo Del Giudice trained in Crispiano alongside teammates Giovanni Corigliano and David Giuliano from Massafra. The trio captured third place in the team competition for the Men’s Compound Youth division. Despite high summer temperatures, the young competitors pushed through the draw, with Del Giudice confirming his status among the top competitors in his age group while his younger teammates competed up an age class.
San Simone New Sport Hall Supports Local Athletes
With international competition schedules concluded, the San Simone New Sport Hall will serve everyday training needs, youth coaching sessions, and regional tournaments. Municipal leaders emphasize that the venue aims to keep local teenagers engaged in organized athletics while providing a professional-grade training environment for southern Italian archery talent.
