Florida’s Second Annual National Archery In The Schools Program (NASP) State Tournament

Florida’s Second Annual National Archery In The Schools Program (NASP) State Tournament

Florida - -(OutDoorWire.com)- Florida’s second annual National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) state tournament will take place during the last two weeks in February.

35 of the 157 participating NASP schools from around the state will compete in the virtual tournament, which will allow the schools to shoot in their own gymnasiums and mail in their scores. Last year, 592 kids from 28 schools competed in the tournament. In 2009, registrations numbers have escalated to 751 participants.

“Winning teams will be selected in three grade levels with trophies and medals awarded to the schools and team members. The highest scoring girl and boy in the tournament will each win a Mathews-Genesis bow and a Morrell target,” said Steve Robbins, NASP Coordinator for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Last year’s winning teams were Flagler Palm Coast High School, Daniel Jenkins Academy Middle School from Polk County and Altha Elementary School from Calhoun County.

NASP is designed to teach international-style target archery in 4th to 12th grade physical education classes. NASP is a cooperative effort between the FWC and Florida Department of Education. “Physical education teachers undergo an 8-hour NASP Basic Archery Instructor training, and the students enjoy a two-week archery component in their class,” Robbins said.

In February 2004, Florida became the 24th state to offer the NASP training that was developed by the Kentucky Department of Education and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

“The National Safety Council rates archery more accident-free than every popular ball sport, including tennis and golf. Archery allows students to learn a safe, lifetime skill they can practice almost anywhere. More than 3.5 million students have participated in NASP internationally since its inception in 2002 and there have been no accidents,” Robbins said.

For more information about getting your local school involved in the NASP, contact Steve Robbins at 386 758-0525 or Steven.Robbins@MyFWC.com.

“Remember, it’s about kids and who knows, your child may possess the talent to become a future Olympic archery champion,” Robbins said.