World Archery Excellence Centre declared open by IOC President Bach

The World Archery Excellence Centre, a state-of-the-art sports facility dedicated to the development of archery, has officially opened in the Olympic Capital of Lausanne.

IOC President Thomas Bach, World Archery President Prof Dr Ugur Erdener, Cantonal and City authorities, esteemed guests and numerous Olympic Champions participated in the opening ceremony.

Attendees heard speeches from dignitaries and witnessed a pair of live archery matches.

One was a mixed team recurve contest featuring double-Olympic Champion Ku Bonchan, team gold medallist Choi Misun, Rio fourth-place finisher Sjef van den Berg and four-time Olympian Naomi Folkard.

The other was an exhibition compound match between world number one Sara Lopez and Hyundai Archery World Cup runner-up Sarah Sonnichsen.

IOC President Dr Thomas Bach back quipped about archery’s familiarity with iconic venues. After Olympic events held in Athens’ Panathinaikos in 2004 and Lord’s Cricket Ground in 2012, the World Archery Excellence Centre, he said, continued the tradition of impressive venues.

President Bach added that the opening of the new facility was a proud moment for World Archery, a high-flying idea that had come to fruition, before presenting the World Archery President with a special award.

World Archery President Prof Dr Ugur Erdener said: “Opening this Centre is a dream come true. It will become key to World Archery’s development efforts around the globe and, while we have now seen Olympic gold medallists compete between its walls, we hope for many more current and future champions to make use of this dedicated space.”

“I would like to thank all who have contributed to and supported this project, especially the IOC President, local authorities and the entire World Archery Family.”