02-08-2008, 05:10 PM
Florida's inaugural National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) state tournament will take place during the last two weeks in February.
At least 23 of the 104 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.
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 each will win a Mathews-Genesis bow and a Morrell target, said Steve Robbins, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Regional Hunter Safety coordinator.
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 1.4 million students have participated in NASP nationally 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 Adam Young at 850-413-0085 or Adam.Young@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.
At least 23 of the 104 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.
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 each will win a Mathews-Genesis bow and a Morrell target, said Steve Robbins, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Regional Hunter Safety coordinator.
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 1.4 million students have participated in NASP nationally 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 Adam Young at 850-413-0085 or Adam.Young@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.