Georgia Students Prepare to Aim High at 3rd Annual Archery Tournament

Close to 400 students throughout the state will compete on Friday, Feb. 13 in the 3rd annual National Archery in the Schools Georgia State Tournament.

The best-of-the-best from elementary, middle and high schools in 16 schools (from 13 counties) will convene in Perry for this tournament. The tournament is coordinated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division and is open to all state schools enrolled in the National Archery in the Schools program (NASP).

A total of 343 students in grades 4-12 have registered for the event. Participation in the shoot has nearly double in size since last year.

“We are so pleased to see the NASP program and participation in the state tournament grow each year,” says State Shooting Sports Program Manager Jennifer Pittman. “Archery is a sport that anyone – male or female, small or large – can find success as long as they practice and dedicate time to achieve their goals. It is a program that teaches concentration, hand-eye coordination, patience and determination – all of which mesh perfectly with school goals.”

State Tournament Division winners will have the opportunity to compete at the NASP National Tournament May 8-9, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. At the national tournament, teams and individuals from all participating NASP states and countries will vie for college scholarships and other prizes. At the state tournament, the highest scoring male and female archer will win one of two $1,000 college scholarships.

The state tournament is conducted at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in conjunction with the Georgia Wildlife Federation’s Great Outdoors Show. The Feb. 13 shoot will be held in the Miller Murphy Howard Building next to gate No. 24 (West Gate).

Teams of 16-24 students from each school will compete in three separate divisions: elementary (4th-6th grade); middle (7th-8th grade) and high (9th-12th grade). Archers will shoot at 10- and 15- meter intervals in six “flights.” An awards reception will follow completion of the last flight.

In addition to the tournament, there will be several activities for participants during the Great Outdoors Show. Admission is free for archers and registered coaches and $8 for observers. The Georgia Wildlife Federation provides food and refreshments for archers and registered coaches and allows use of the building for the tournament at no charge.

The Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter is located off I-75. Driving directions can be found at www.gnfa.com .

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