National Archery in the Schools state tournament will showcase more than 1,500 students from throughout Wisconsin

NATIONAL ARCHERY IN THE SCHOOLS STATE TOURNAMENT WILL SHOWCASE MORE THAN 1,500 STUDENTS FROM THROUGHOUT WISCONSIN

Contact(s): Daniel Schroeder, DNR NASP coordinator, 608-235-4619
March 29, 2016

Students participating in the National Archery in the Schools Program

MADISON - About 1,500 youth archers from across the state will travel to Wisconsin Dells this weekend to take their aim at the 2016 Wisconsin National Archery in the Schools Program state tournament at Wisconsin Dells.

Students participating in the 2015 NASP tournament
Photo Credit: WDNR

The annual athletic event is slated for April 1-2 at the Woodside Convention and Expo center in Wisconsin Dells.

This year's event will feature athletes in grades 3 through 12 from 64 state schools. Currently, more than 1,500 students have registered for the event, with more than 700 female archers planning to participate. The event will feature a 3-D animal range, flying or rolling discs, a bow fishing exhibit, several exhibitors and BB gun ranges. Many schools have been attending local school and club tournaments the past few months in preparation for the state tournament.

"The National Archery in the Schools Program provides a great opportunity to try a new sport for these kids," Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp said. "Schools throughout the state have been great partners in helping the program grow and reach more students of all ages."

Students at this year's state tournament will compete for individual and team awards in elementary, middle and high school divisions, as well as a chance to qualify for the NASP national tournament in Louisville, Ky. That tournament is expected to attract more than 12,000 archers from all over the U.S.

Through NASP, archery is typically taught during the school day as part of a physical education curriculum. Every student uses identical, universal fit, equipment and is taught safety, proper form, shooting and scoring arrows and much more. Interested teachers can attend a one-day training session to receive Basic Archery Instructors certification. Archery equipment and a teaching curriculum is provided and grants are available to help offset any initial startup costs for schools. With the grants, schools can get started with minimal investment and budget strain.

For more information, visit the DNR web site, dnr.wi.gov and search for keyword "NASP" or visit naspschools.org (exit DNR).

Last Revised: Tuesday, March 29, 2016