Supporting the growth of archery is on the mind of Inside Archery Publisher Sherry Krenz. Krenz recently visit Lausanne, Switzerland, home to World Archery and the International Olympic Committee. Krenz was in Europe visiting her sister, Deb Lechner who lives in Vienna, Austria, and works as curriculum director for the American International School which offers a university preparatory education in the American day-school style for children of all nationalities. As Krenz planned for her departure to Austria, she also booked an additional side-trip to Switzerland for a chance to see how archery is expanding on an international scale. She contacted Denise Parker, CEO of USA Archery, to learn more about World Archery and its operations. She also called Jay McAninch, CEO/president of the Archery Trade Association, to hear how the ATA works with World Archery to grow archery globally. McAninch helped Krenz arrange a meeting for her and Deb with Tom Dielen, World Archery’s secretary general and executive director; and Chris Wells, the organization’s communications manager, and tour the organization’s offices and IOC grounds.
World Archery works to get archery recognized as an important Olympic and recreational sport, while working with groups like the ATA. ATA has the resources and experience to unite archery with communities across the country. At the 2015 ATA Trade Show, Dielen and McAninch hosted a session with industry members to acquaint them with international archery activities and their challenges. Dielen, McAninch and ATA staff also plan to team up in July at the World Archery Congress in Copenhagen to meet with archery federation leaders from around the world. Their task: advising these leaders how to engage with casual archery fans and boost participation.
For more on World Archery, check out the July issue of Inside Archery or download the free Inside Archery app from the iTunes, Google Play or Amazon store.
