From side braids to “Capitol” fashion and makeup, “The Hunger Games” franchise has influenced teen culture in numerous ways, but growth statistics from USA Archery, show that the sport of archery could be the biggest winner of all.
Archery’s relationship with the mega-popular film goes back to 2011, when five time Olympian Khatuna Lor1% increase in overall participation from 2012 to 2013, and a 34% jump in youth registrations alone. Other national events have seen similar gains.
“We definitely attribute much of this growth to ‘The Hunger Games’ films, along with movies like ‘Brave’ and ‘The Avengers,’ says USA Archery CEO Denise Parker, a three-time Olympian and Olympic bronze medalist.
“Given that archery was also the most-watched sport during NBC’s first week of Olympic Games coverage, we’re hopeful that people who see and try the sport will find out what archery fans already know: it’s an awesome sport, fun and challenging, and one that you can enjoy year-round and for the rest of your life,” says Parker.
The organization’s individual membership has skyrocketed from 4185 individual memberships as of November 2011 to 8589 as of November 2013 a 105% increase in two years. In the past twelve months, individual membership has increased 54%.
USA Archery is increasing its efforts to train and certify more instructors and coaches, as well as supporting the development of JOAD and Adult Archery Program clubs across the United States. They are also and working with the Archery Trade Association (ATA) “Release Your Wild” marketing campaign.
