The young archer Sofia De Vito Francesco secured a gold medal in her debut indoor tournament at the newly inaugurated Archery Center in Crispiano. The victory marks a significant milestone for the athlete, who previously visited the venue only as a spectator before returning to claim the top spot on the podium.
Located in the San Simone district of Crispiano, the center was established in conjunction with the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. It is recognized as the largest facility dedicated to archery in Southern Italy and the only one of its kind in the center-south region.
A New Landmark for Archery
The Archery Center was officially inaugurated on Wednesday, October 21, by the Archbishop of Taranto, Monsignor Ciro Miniero, alongside civil and sports authorities, including Luca Lopomo and FITA official Antonio Fusti. During the blessing of the site, the Archbishop guided a prayer centered on 1 Corinthians 9, 24-27, asking, Do you not know that in the stadium races all run, but only one wins the prize?
He encouraged the attendees to run in such a way as to win, noting that athletes exercise self-control to gain a perishable crown while highlighting sports as a vehicle for inclusion and healthy competition. The project began as a vision in 2019 following discussions between Fusti and Mayor Lopomo, eventually gaining momentum with the assignment of the Mediterranean Games to Taranto. While the Mediterranean Games competitions have concluded, the facility remains a focal point for the region’s ongoing national and international sporting visibility.
Performance and Perspective
For De Vito Francesco, the win reflects a strong start to her competitive season, characterized by focus and determination. Beyond the physical victory, the athlete noted the importance of the sportsmanship encountered during the event. She described the welcoming environment provided by opponents and other sporting clubs as a core component of the competition, viewing the gold medal as a recognition of her ongoing commitment to the sport. This achievement follows the facility’s recent opening, which saw the Archbishop of Taranto bless the site, emphasizing the role of sports in fostering inclusion and healthy competition.
Keep reading
