World Archery lays first stone of pioneering World Archery Excellence Centre

World Archery Excellence Centre to be at heart of sport’s development initiatives

World Archery President Prof Dr Ugur ERDENER laid the first stoneof the World Archery Excellence Centre in the Olympic Capital of Lausanne today. The Centre,currently under construction, is set to become a hub for the development of Olympic, elite andrecreational archery worldwide.

The World Archery Excellence Centre concept was conceived in 2009 by FIDTA, theDevelopment Foundation of World Archery. Construction is set to be completed next year, withthe centre opening its doors after the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Following World Archery’s commitment to sustainability, the Centre will be heated bygeothermal wells, will feature extensive solar panelling and has been designed to maximise theeffect of natural light inside the building. In construction and operationally, the World ArcheryExcellence Centre is and will be environmentally friendly.

Facilities at the world-class venue will include indoor and outdoor ranges for internationalathletes to train for major international, multisport and World Archery events – includingfuture Olympic Games – and a state-of-the-art gym. The Centre will also host theoretical andpractical courses for the sport’s technical officials and coaches in its conference and meetingrooms.

As part of archery’s commitment to being a sport for all, the elite facilities will also be used fortraining camps for young people from the local community and as an outreach centre forarchery in the area. The Excellence Centre’s offices will be dedicated to conceiving innovativeideas to develop the sport from grassroots through to elite level around the world.

IOC President Dr Thomas BACH, important persons from the Olympic Movement, andrepresentatives from Federal, Cantonal and City authorities joined Prof Dr Ugur ERDENER atthe World Archery Excellence Centre First Stone Ceremony.

President BACH has been a strong supporter of the project. During his speech at the ceremonyhe said:

"Archery is one of the most ancient sports, but it has also been an innovator throughout itshistory and that is shown here at this centre once more."

"We are looking forward to see many future Olympians and Olympic and Youth OlympicChampions prepare here for Buenos Aires, Tokyo and beyond, and if work on the Centre keepson progressing at this pace, even for Rio."

Speaking after ceremony, Prof Dr Ugur ERDENER said:

"This is a historic moment for archery. We are very grateful for the support of the Canton ofVaud, the city of Lausanne, IOC President Dr Thomas BACH, the board of FIDTA and everyoneelse who made this project possible."

"Over the last few years we have seen a dramatic increase in participation and globalrecognition in our sport. There is still much work to do and as an organisation and a sport weconstantly aim to innovate, evolve and development."

"Vital to this mission is the World Archery Excellence Centre: a hub, cornerstone and a stateof-the-artexample of archery’s drive to always improve. We are confident that this new facilitywill help us build on the momentum archery has built over the past few years, serve ourdevelopment goals and move towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to makethe sport of archery their elite or recreational activity of choice."

For more information, please contact World Archery Communications Manager Mr Chris WELLSvia email (cwells@archery.org) or telephone (+41 79 947 55 20).

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