The small French town of Étampes, located 50 kilometers south of Paris, will become the epicenter of a unique sporting challenge this December when the Compagnie des Archers d’Étampes hosts a non-stop 24-hour archery marathon to support the annual AFM Téléthon. The event, scheduled for December 6-7, 2026, marks the club’s return to their traditional Téléthon participation after a one-year hiatus and introduces an ambitious new format designed to maximize fundraising and community engagement.

The Challenge: 24 Hours of Continuous Archery

Under the leadership of club captain Philippe Massy, the Compagnie des Archers d’Étampes has developed what they’re calling “a surprising challenge” that will test both the physical endurance and creative spirit of its members. While full details of the challenge remain under wraps, the club has confirmed several key components of the event:

• Continuous 24-hour operation from 10:00 AM local time (09:00 UTC) December 6 through 10:00 AM December 7
• Multiple archery disciplines including target, field, and novelty events
• Public participation opportunities throughout the event
• Special fundraising activities beyond standard donation collection

“We wanted to create something that would capture people’s imagination while staying true to our sport,” said Massy in an official statement released by the French Archery Federation (FFTA). “Archery is often seen as an individual pursuit, but this event will showcase the team spirit and community values that define our club.”

Event Structure and Participation Opportunities

The 24-hour marathon will be divided into several segments, each offering different ways for the public to engage:

One of the most anticipated features of the event is the “tir à l’enveloppe” (envelope shoot), where participants can purchase sealed envelopes containing various archery-related prizes. The contents remain secret until after the event, adding an element of surprise to the fundraising effort.

Téléthon Connection and Fundraising Goals

The AFM Téléthon, France’s largest annual fundraising event for neuromuscular disease research, has been a long-standing partner of the French Archery Federation. The 2026 edition marks the 36th year of the Téléthon, which has raised over €2.5 billion since its inception in 1987.

“The Téléthon represents everything we believe in as athletes and citizens,” said FFTA President Jean-Michel Cleroy. “It’s about pushing limits, supporting each other, and making a tangible difference in people’s lives. The Compagnie des Archers d’Étampes has always been at the forefront of our Téléthon initiatives, and this year’s challenge is their most ambitious yet.”

While the club has not announced a specific fundraising target, organizers have indicated they hope to exceed the €12,000 raised by their 2023 event. All proceeds will go directly to the AFM Téléthon, supporting research into genetic diseases and improving the quality of life for affected individuals.

Venue and Logistics

The event will take place at the Compagnie des Archers d’Étampes’ home range in Étampes, a facility that has hosted numerous regional and national archery competitions. Located at the Complexe Sportif de la Vallée, the venue offers:

• Indoor and outdoor shooting ranges
• Seating for up to 300 spectators
• On-site food and beverage vendors
• Accessible facilities for participants with disabilities

For those planning to attend, here are key logistical details:

• Location: Complexe Sportif de la Vallée, 91150 Étampes, France
• Dates: December 6-7, 2026
• Start Time: 10:00 AM local time (09:00 UTC) December 6
• End Time: 10:00 AM local time (09:00 UTC) December 7
• Admission: Free for spectators; small fees for certain activities
• Parking: Available on-site with shuttle service from Étampes train station

The event will be held rain or shine, with indoor facilities available in case of inclement weather. Organizers recommend checking the FFTA website or the club’s Facebook page for last-minute updates.

Why This Event Matters for Archery and Charity

The Compagnie des Archers d’Étampes’ 24-hour challenge represents a growing trend in sports philanthropy, where local clubs leverage their unique skills and community connections to support important causes. For archery specifically, this event offers several benefits:

• Increased Visibility: The 24-hour format provides continuous exposure for the sport, potentially attracting new participants
• Community Building: The event brings together archers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced competitors
• Fundraising Innovation: The envelope shoot and other creative challenges demonstrate new ways to engage donors
• Sporting Challenge: The endurance aspect tests archers’ physical and mental limits in ways that standard competitions do not

“What the Étampes club is doing goes beyond just raising money,” said former Olympic archer and Téléthon ambassador Sophie Dodemont. “They’re showing how sport can be a force for good in the community, bringing people together around a shared goal. That’s the spirit of the Téléthon in action.”

How to Support the Event

For those unable to attend in person, several options are available to support the Compagnie des Archers d’Étampes’ Téléthon challenge:

1. Online Donations: Contributions can be made through the official AFM Téléthon donation platform, specifying “Compagnie des Archers d’Étampes” in the comments
2. Virtual Participation: The club will host live streams of key moments throughout the 24 hours on their Facebook page
3. Corporate Sponsorship: Local businesses can sponsor specific segments of the event or provide prizes for fundraising challenges
4. Volunteer Support: The event requires numerous volunteers for setup, scoring, and general operations

Key Takeaways

• The Compagnie des Archers d’Étampes will host a continuous 24-hour archery event December 6-7, 2026 to support the AFM Téléthon
• The event features multiple archery disciplines, public participation opportunities, and special fundraising challenges
• All proceeds go to the AFM Téléthon, which funds research into genetic diseases and supports affected individuals
• The event is free for spectators, with small fees for certain activities
• Online donations can be made through the official Téléthon platform, specifying support for the Étampes challenge
• The challenge represents an innovative approach to sports-based fundraising and community engagement

What’s Next

The Compagnie des Archers d’Étampes will release full details of their “surprising challenge” in early November, including the specific rules and format for the endurance segments. The club has also announced plans for several pre-event fundraisers in the weeks leading up to the main challenge.

For the latest updates, follow the French Archery Federation and the Compagnie des Archers d’Étampes on Facebook. The official Téléthon broadcast will air on French television December 4-6, featuring highlights from events like the Étampes challenge throughout the weekend.

Have you participated in a sports-based fundraising event? Share your experiences in the comments below, and consider supporting the Compagnie des Archers d’Étampes as they take on this unique challenge for a worthy cause.