State Tournament Will Showcase Ohio’s Archery in the Schools Program

State Tournament Will Showcase Ohio’s Archery in the Schools Program
48 schools to participate, nearly 850 students will compete.

COLUMBUS, OHIO - -(OutdoorWire.com)- The third annual Ohio National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) State Tournament will be held on Friday, March 6 at the Ohio Expo Center’s Lausche Building, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The tournament is held in conjunction with the Arnold Classic Sports Festival in Columbus.[amazon-product alink="0000FF" bordercolor="000000" height="240"]1861268696[/amazon-product]

Ohio NASP participating schools will compete for team and individual awards in high school, middle school and elementary school divisions. Qualifying teams and individuals in each division will represent Ohio as they challenge for a national title at the NASP National Competition this summer in Kentucky.

“The tournament is an excellent opportunity for students and teams that participate in the program to showcase their hard work and dedication,” states Kevin Dixon, shooting sports coordinator for the Division of Wildlife. “The event not only gives students the chance to experience competitive shooting, but also brings together like-minded students from across the state who are interested in archery.”

Ohio launched the NASP program to a pilot group of 12 schools in 2004. Five years later, there are 307 schools in Ohio with teachers certified to instruct target archery through the NASP program; a program which is rapidly growing and gaining popularity among students and educators.

The NASP program teaches target archery to elementary, middle and high school students in the school gym. Curriculum covers archery, safety, equipment, technique, concentration skills and self improvement.

Often when students are introduced to the sport of archery, the in-school educational component is only the beginning. Many NASP participating schools start after school programs and archery teams. For details on the upcoming event, visit www.ohionasp.com and www.arnoldsportsfestival.com.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.