Did the World Archery Plan succeed at making archery an important Olympic sport? Yes!

From the World Archery Plan 2007-2012…   
  The project focused on making changes that would improve the status of archery at the Olympic Games.This strategy was rooted in the belief that a more prominent position in the Olympic Games would create an even stronger platform upon which the sport could develop at all levels.   As the London Games rapidly approach, we ask: Has the World Archery Plan succeeded at realising its vision of making the world recognise archery as one of the key Olympic sports by the year 2012?   There have been some visible results from the World Plan. The first was the creation of the new 'World Archery' brand and spreading this brand to the Continental and Member Associations. Archery events have also become more athlete-, TV-, media- and fan-friendly. Hosting the World Cup Final in iconic locations has showcased archery events in new and innovative ways while also creating important new partnerships with our host cities. The number of international sponsors has increased, and the way in which World Archery reaches out to media and fans around the world has evolved, including using social media platforms to engage varied audiences.      …to the World Archery Plan 2012-2016 The World Archery Family celebrated these and other accomplishments at the recent Congresses in 2009 (Ulsan) and 2011 (Turin). The question still remains, however: Does all of this progress prove that World Archery has succeeded in its vision?   According to a survey that World Archery ran in June 2012, 61% of the 85 experts polled from the world of international sport agreed that, over the last five years, World Archery has increased its status amongst the Olympic sports. This response can provide World Archery with confidence that it is moving toward its vision.   With these recent successes fresh in our minds, we need to keep this momentum going. This is why, as the World Archery Plan 2007-2012 is celebrated and comes to a close, a new project will begin that will continue to inspire change, progress and innovation in archery. We are an important Olympic sport and we will continue to showcase this achievement. Together, we can move our sport to new levels and attain the recognition that World Archery deserves, from which the future development of our sport will come.   Tom DIELEN World Archery Secretary General