History of World Archery

History of World Archery    
The international governing body of archery is the World Archery Federation (WA), as the name change approved at the 2011 Congress. Initially founded as Fédération Internationale de Tir à l'Arc (WA) on the 4th of September 1931 in Lwow, Poland, by seven countries (France, Czech Republic, Sweden, Poland, the United States, Hungary, and Italy), WA serves to promote and regulate archery world-wide through its 150 Member Associations (National Federations or Associations) and in conformity with the Olympic principles. It aims at framing and interpreting the WA Rules and arranging for the organization of World Championships and other international competitions.     Photo Courtesy Emil Heilborn: Congress Luncheon at 1931 World Championships Lwow, Poland       The original constituent assembly was made up of the following personalities: Gaston Quentin, Gaston Ducatel, and Paul Demare (FRA), Kalman von Kenderessy (HUN), Attilio Battistoni (ITA), Bronislaw Pierzchala, Captain Mieczyslaw Fularski and Mrs. Jeanne Kurkowska (POL), General J. Akerman and Emil Heilbron (SWE), Beda Pilotti, Jan Horn and Jaroslav Fiala (CZE), J.K. Boles (USA), who were joined by General Charles E. Macquoid on behalf of the British archers. They adopted the statutes and competition regulations, and a first motion requestiong the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to reintroduce Archery to the Olympic programme.    Congress is the World Archery Federation’s highest governing body and is held every 2 years in conjunction with the World Outdoor Championships.   Between Congresses it is governed by the WA Council to which the President, Vice-Presidents and Council Members are elected for four year terms.   Working within WA for the improvement of the sport are the Permanent Committees. WA has also established Ad Hoc Committees.    Headquarters World Archery Federation
Maison du Sport International Avenue de Rhodanie 54 CH-1007 Lausanne Switzerland Tel +41 (0)21 614 3050 Fax +41 (0)21 614 3055 info@archery.org