IOC President in attendance as construction starts at World Archery Excellence Centre in Olympic capital

World Archery President Ugur Erdener laid the first stone at the World Archery Excellence Centre ©World Archery

Construction on the brand-new World Archery Excellence Centre has begun after World Archery President Uğur Erdener laid the first stone in the Olympic capital of Lausanne.

The centre is set to be the main hub for the sport across the globe and building work is expected to be completed by next year, with a planned opening date of after the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The stone-laying was attended by Erdener alongside International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach.

Facilities at the centre include world-class indoor and outdoor ranges for international athletes to train for future Olympic Games, and it is set to be a sustainable venue which will also be used for training camps for youngsters.

It will also host practical and theoretical sessions for archery’s sporting officials and coaches.

The project has been strongly supported by President Bach and he feels the centre shows the innovative qualities of the sport of archery.

“Archery is one of the most ancient sports, but it has also been an innovator throughout its history and that is shown here at this centre once more,” he said.

IOC President Thomas Bach says the centre once again shows archery as an innovative sport in the Olympic Movement ©Getty Images

“We are looking forward to seeing many future Olympians and Olympic and Youth Olympic Champions prepare here for Buenos Aires, Tokyo and beyond, and if work on the Centre keeps on progressing at this pace, even for Rio.”

The World Archery Excellence Centre, which also includes a modern, state-of-the-art gym, and the facility will be used to entice local people into the sport.

“This is a historic moment for archery,” Erdener added.

“We are very grateful for the support of the Canton of Vaud, the city of Lausanne, IOC President Thomas Bach, the board of FIDTA and everyone else who made this project possible.

“Over the last few years we have seen a dramatic increase in participation and global recognition in our sport.

“Vital to this mission is the World Archery Excellence Centre: a hub, cornerstone and a state-of-the-art example of archery’s drive to always improve.

“We are confident that this new facility will help us build on the momentum archery has built over the past few years, serve our development goals and move towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to make the sport of archery their elite or recreational activity of choice.”