Olympic Archery Takes Root in Castéra-Verduzan with Launch of “Archers de l’Auloue”

In the quiet landscapes of the Gers region in southwestern France, a latest sporting chapter has begun. The community of Castéra-Verduzan has officially formalized its passion for the bow and arrow with the creation of the Archers de l’Auloue, a club dedicated to the practice of Olympic archery.

The transition from a casual pastime to a structured association follows a successful “discovery year” that attracted a significant number of local enthusiasts. While the interest was already present, the club’s foundation was made possible through a participatory budget, which provided the necessary funding to acquire essential equipment, including bows, arrows, and targets.

From Discovery to Association

The path to formalization was a strategic move to ensure the sport’s longevity in the village. According to club leadership, creating a formal association was the critical next step to sustain the momentum generated during the initial trial period. The association was officially registered on January 28, 2026, under the RNA identifier W321007288, as documented by Assoce.fr.

The club has established its operations in a practical, community-centric location: the courtyard of the former primary school. This venue serves as the hub where members can gather to train and refine their technique using the equipment provided by the club.

Leadership and Instruction

The Archers de l’Auloue is driven by a team of volunteers committed to growing the sport locally. The club is led by President Bernard Lemant, supported by a dedicated board including Secretary Caroline Biscan, Assistant Secretary Régine Lemant, and Treasurer Didier Bochez.

On the technical side, the instruction and supervision are handled by volunteers Daniel D’Hondt and Bernard Lemant. Their goal is to provide a welcoming environment where newcomers can start from scratch and experienced archers can sharpen their skills.

Note for international readers: Olympic archery typically involves shooting arrows at a target from a distance of 70 meters, emphasizing precision, mental focus, and physical stability.

Membership and Accessibility

To lower the barrier to entry, the club has implemented a highly accessible pricing structure. The Archers de l’Auloue is open to anyone aged 10 and older, offering a tiered approach to joining:

• Introductory Phase: The first three sessions are free of charge, allowing potential members to discover the sport without financial commitment.
• Youth Membership: For those under 18, the annual fee is set at €20.
• Adult Membership: The annual fee for adults is €40.

A Unique Setting in the Gers

The club takes its name from the Auloue river, which flows through the heart of the commune. Castéra-Verduzan itself holds a unique place in French administrative history. As noted by local historical records, This proves the only commune in the Gers—and a rarity in France—formed by the merger of three separate communes: Castéra-Vivens, Laclaverie, and Verduzan. The village was built on a fourth, neutral site in a valley characterized by its proximity to both sulfurous and ferruginous springs.

This spirit of unification and community building, which defined the village’s origin in the early 19th century, now extends to its sporting life through the Archers de l’Auloue.

With the equipment secured and the administrative framework in place, the Archers de l’Auloue is now actively recruiting new members to join their ranks in the courtyard of the old school.

For those interested in joining or seeking more information, the club can be reached through President Bernard Lemant.

Next Checkpoint: The club continues to open its doors for free introductory sessions for new recruits throughout the current season.