COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The USA Archery Foundation (USAAF) is proud to announce a transformative $1.4 million donation from the Easton Sports Development Foundation (ESDF). This historic gift will directly support USA Archery programs and initiatives that strengthen archery development across the United States, from grassroots instruction to elite high-performance training.
This gift celebrates the legacy of Jim Easton, whose lifelong dedication to archery shaped the sport both domestically and internationally. An iconic figure in archery for decades, Jim Easton served as President of the World Archery Federation for 16 years, was a member of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee Board of Directors for 20 years and was inducted into both the Archery Hall of Fame (1997) and the US Olympic Hall of Fame (2012).
His leadership, vision, and passion helped grow archery into the competitive and recreational sport it is today. His commitment to athlete development, coaching excellence, and innovation in equipment has left an indelible mark on archery worldwide.
“The Easton Foundations is excited to support the USA Archery Foundation in growing the sport of archery and developing world class archers,” commented Caren Sawyer, Executive Director of the Easton Sports Development Foundation. “Our grant provides resources to grow participation, develop athletes and coaches, create champions, and deepen excitement about the sport of archery at every age across the country.”
The USA Archery Foundation gratefully acknowledges the Easton Sports Development Foundation and the estate of Jim Easton for their generous support. This donation represents a significant investment in the future of archery and will help foster the next generation of athletes, coaches, and instructors.
“We are deeply grateful to the Easton Sports Development Foundation for this extraordinary investment in our sport,” added Peggy Poore, Chair of the USA Archery Foundation Board. “Easton’s continued belief in our mission ensures that athletes at every stage of their journey have the resources, coaching, and facilities they need to succeed.”
The Grant Funds will be utilized to support the following areas of importance for USA Archery:
- Instructor Training: Expanding educational programs to cultivate highly skilled archery instructors nationwide.
- Youth Programs: Investing in initiatives that engage young athletes and promote archery at the community and school levels.
- Training Centers: Enhancing facilities for training and development for athletes at all levels.
- USA Team Coach and High-Performance Director Support: Strengthening leadership and coaching resources for elite teams and high performance programs.
- High-Performance Program: Supporting the continued growth and success of USA Archery’s national teams and high performance programs.
“This landmark contribution from the Easton Sports Development Foundation will accelerate USA Archery’s mission to grow participation, enhance performance, and build the next generation of champions in the sport of archery,” commented USA Archery CEO, Rod Menzer.
About USA Archery Foundation
The USA Archery Foundation provides funding for USA Archery to expand access and grow our sport, promoting excellence, accessibility, and lasting impact from grassroots to gold medals.
About Easton Sports Development Foundation
The Easton Sports Development Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to archery and inspiring lifelong participation in the sport. Through investments in programs, facilities, and athletes, ESDF aims to create sustainable development opportunities which will empower every aspiring archer to take their shot.