President says archery healthy as core Olympic sport at Congress opening
World Archery President Prof Dr Ugur Erdener opened World Archery’s 2017 Congress by saying that since he took up his position in 2005, archery had reinforced its position in the international sporting arena.
“I can happily state that we now enjoy a healthy presence as a core Olympic sport, in the top half of the Olympic Programme, 13th among twenty-six sports in London and twenty-eight sports in Rio,” he said.
The 52nd Archery Congress opened in Mexico City at 9am on Friday 13 October 2017, with 83 voting delegates or appointed proxies in attendance.
Prof Dr Erdener noted the universality and global appeal of archery today thanks to the progression of the World Archery Plan, an ongoing strategic approach to cementing archery’s position internationally and nationally.
Highlighting the World Archery Excellence Centre in Lausanne, the President reported that the facility was now integrated into the federation’s development operations.
“This international hub for elite performance, training and development of athletes, coaches and officials has been a prestigious project for the Olympic Capital of Lausanne,” he said, thanking Secretary General Tom Dielen for driving the construction to completion in less than two years.
He also thanked the Easton Sports Foundation and Greg Easton, the Archery Development Foundation and SporToto for their support.
Reflecting on the progress made in developing archery around the world, in terms of performance, governance and attractiveness, Prof Dr Erdener urged federations to continue to evolve and look toward the future.
Quoting International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, he said: “You have to introduce change when things are going well. Otherwise it might already be too late.”
Through a video message, Thomas Bach congratulated Prof Dr Erdener for his great vision, dedication and leadership.
“More people than ever before can enjoy the fascination of your wonderful sport,” he said. “You have every reason to look at the future with confidence.”
“In this spirit of partnership and solidarity, I wish you all fruitful discussions and a successful Congress,” the IOC President ended his video message.
The World Archery President closed by thanking the entire World Archery Family for its continued support, World Archery’s sponsors for their investment in the sport and World Archery’s staff for their hard, professional work.
The 2017 Congress runs 13/14 October and 2017 Hyundai World Archery Championships runs 15-22 October in Mexico City, Mexico.
