Growth and Inclusion: Sassari Hosts Successful FISDIR Archery Italian Championships

Sassari, Italy, recently became the center of inclusive sport as it played host to the Campionati Italiani Promozionali di Tiro con l’Arco FISDIR. Held on Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5, 2025, the event served as a powerful testament to the integration and solidarity fostered through athletic competition. Organized by ASD Arcieri Torres Sassari, the championships were dedicated exclusively to archers with intellectual and relational disabilities, bringing together athletes from across the nation to compete for national titles.

The event was more than just a quest for medals; it represented a significant milestone in the growth of the discipline. With a record-breaking turnout, the championships highlighted the increasing visibility and accessibility of archery for athletes with intellectual disabilities in Italy. The atmosphere in Sassari was one of celebration, where the pursuit of excellence met a deep commitment to social inclusion.

Record Participation and Growth Trends

One of the most striking aspects of the 2025 championships was the surge in participation. A total of 78 archers representing 15 different societies competed in the event. This represents a notable increase from the 2023 edition, which saw 64 registered participants. For those following the trajectory of inclusive sports, this growth is a clear indicator of the sport’s expanding reach and the effectiveness of promotional efforts.

Carmen Mura, the FISDIR National Councilor and Head of Delegation, emphasized the importance of these numbers during the event. Mura noted that archery is one of the disciplines FISDIR is promoting with particular focus, and the jump from 64 to 78 participants is a signal of growth that encourages the organization to continue its hard work in the field.

To manage a field of this size and ensure a supportive environment, the organization deployed a massive support network. Over 100 specialized technicians and accompanists were on hand to assist the athletes, supported by 60 volunteers who ensured the event remained punctual and inclusive for all participants.

The Medal Table: Local Dominance in Sassari

The competition was divided into three distinct classes to ensure fair play and appropriate challenge levels: Beginners (Principianti), Basic Level (Livello base), and Advanced (Avanzato). The rivalry was spirited, but the local hosts proved to be a force to be reckoned with.

ASD Arcieri Torres Sassari topped the final medal table, leveraging their home-field advantage to secure the most hardware of the weekend. They were followed closely by other strong Sardinian representatives, illustrating the region’s strength in the sport.

• ASD Arcieri Torres Sassari: 4 Gold, 2 Silver
• Speedy Sport Dorgali: 3 Gold, 3 Silver
• ASD Arcobaleno Gonnesa: 1 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze

The presence of these three clubs at the top of the standings underscores the depth of talent and the quality of training programs currently operating within Sardinia.

Institutional Support and Strategic Partnerships

The success of the championships was bolstered by a significant presence of sports and public authorities, reflecting the high level of institutional support for the event. The gathering in Sassari served as a networking hub for the leaders of Italian archery and disability sports.

Among the distinguished guests were Vittorio Polidori, the National President of FITARCO (the Italian Archery Federation), and various regional leaders, including Claudio Secci, President of CIP Sardegna, and Giuseppe Manca, the CONI delegate for Sassari. The event also saw attendance from Nicoletta Puggioni, the sports councilor for the Municipality of Sassari, and Carla Fundoni, President of the Health and Sports Commission of the Sardinia Region.

This event occurred shortly after a critical administrative milestone: the renewal of the protocol between FISDIR and FITARCO. The new Protocol of Understanding officially entered into force on August 4, 2025, providing a formalized framework for cooperation between the two organizations. This partnership is essential for the technical development of the sport and the certification of titles for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Key Figures and Governance

The coordination of the discipline is led by Paolo Poddighe, who serves as the Discipline Coordinator and President of ANSMES Sardegna. Other key figures ensuring the growth of the sport in the region include Antonietta Mura, the FISDIR Sardinia Regional Delegate, and Sergio Zanotti, President of Panathlon Sassari. The involvement of Giuseppe Boccia, President of Confesercenti Sassari, further highlighted the community-wide support for the championships.

Why This Event Matters for Inclusive Sport

For the global sporting community, the FISDIR championships in Sassari illustrate a successful model of “promotional” competition. By categorizing athletes into Beginner, Basic, and Advanced levels, the event allows archers to progress at their own pace while still experiencing the thrill of national competition. This structure reduces the barrier to entry for new athletes while providing a clear path for those seeking to improve their skills.

The focus on “solidarity and integration” mentioned by organizers is not merely rhetorical. The integration of 160 support staff (technicians and volunteers) for 78 athletes ensures that the psychological and physical needs of the participants are met, allowing the focus to remain on the sport itself.

As the sport continues to grow, the partnership between FITARCO and FISDIR will likely be the engine driving further expansion. The ability to host record-breaking events in cities like Sassari proves that there is both a demand for and a capacity to deliver high-quality inclusive sporting events in Italy.

The next steps for the participants will involve returning to their respective clubs to prepare for the next cycle of promotional events and regional qualifiers. Official results and further updates on the discipline can be found through the official FISDIR channels.

Do you think more sports should adopt the “Beginner, Basic, Advanced” tiered system to encourage inclusivity? Let us know in the comments below.