It is a major evolution in the structuring of the economic and societal model of French archery. By officially establishing the creation of the Viser Juste Foundation at its general assembly, the French Archery Federation (FFTA) takes an additional step in professionalizing its levers of action. Under the auspices of the French Sports Foundation, this new entity allows the federation to align itself with a logic now well established in French sports: that of general interest as a driver of development.
A strategic tool at the service of development
Beyond symbolism, the creation of this foundation addresses very concrete issues. First, financial ones. By mobilizing the generosity of individuals and companies, the FFTA equips itself with a tool for collecting additional funds to public financing and the traditional resources of the sports movement. Then, strategic ones. The funds collected will be redistributed to projects carried out by the 1,600 clubs in the federal network or by partner structures, thus strengthening the territorial anchoring and social innovation capacity of the discipline.
In a context where organizations seek to expand their impact beyond mere sporting performance, this initiative fully meets new institutional and societal expectations. As pointed out by Julien Megret, president of the FFTA, this initiative aims to “diversify sources of funding and more broadly support structuring projects,” while giving “more meaning to sports practice.”
Inclusion, youth, heritage: the impact axes
For its launch, the Viser Juste Foundation is structured around four clearly identified priority axes: youth and citizenship, inclusion and para-archery, heritage and culture, as well as performance. This structuring reflects a desire to cover the entire value chain of sports, from developing the practice to supporting high-level athletes.
The aim is notably to broaden the base of practitioners by facilitating access to archery for young audiences and people with disabilities. In this respect, the foundation positions itself as a project accelerator, capable of supporting local initiatives often hindered by a lack of resources. The educational lever is also central, with an ambition to make archery a tool for transmission and citizenship.
Another strategic dimension is the valorization of heritage. Since some archery practices are inscribed in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage, the foundation intends to play a role in their preservation and enhancement. This direction can also generate opportunities in terms of image and influence.
Finally, the performance program aims to support high-level archers in managing their dual sporting and professional projects. This issue has become critical in retaining talents and securing career paths.
Through this foundation, the FFTA is part of a broader dynamic in French sports, where organizations now use philanthropic tools to strengthen their social utility and attractiveness to private partners. According to Thierry Braillard, president of the French Sports Foundation, this project illustrates the ability of sports to become a “lever for social cohesion” and mobilize new forms of engagement.
Alain Jouve
