Saturday, February 14, 2009

FWC: Sponsors Archery in Schools

© 2009 Albert A Rasch

Here is another activity that is being sponsored by the FWC.

By the way, I've created a list that has the different activities and organizations on it that I would like to research and perhaps involve myself in. This is definitely one of them. It might be something that many of you could check into also. Look up your Fish and Wildlife Division and see what programs they are sponsoring or promoting. Remember, it could be your support that tips the balance in the favor of the department!


State Archery Tournament Set for Florida's Schools

Florida's second annual National Archery in the Schools Program state tournament will take place during the last two weeks of February.

Thirty-five of the 157 participating schools from around the state will compete in the virtual tournament, which will allow students to shoot in their own schools' gymnasiums and mail in their scores.

Last year, 592 youths from 28 schools competed in the tournament. This year, registration numbers have topped 750 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 each will win a Mathews-Genesis bow and a Morrell target," said Steve Robbins, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) coordinator for the program.

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

Florida's program, a cooperative effort between the FWC and the Florida Department of Education, teaches international-style target archery in 4th- to 12th-grade physical education classes.

"Physical education teachers receive eight hours of basic archery instructor training, and the students enjoy a two-week archery component in their class," Robbins said.

In 2004, Florida became the 24th state to offer the 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 enables students to learn a safe, lifetime skill they can practice almost anywhere. More than 3.5 million students have participated in the program internationally since its inception in 2002, and there have been no accidents," Robbins said.

For more information about getting local schools involved in the National Archery in the Schools Program, contact Steve Robbins at 386-758-0525 or Steven.Robbins@MyFWC.com.

"This is all about the kids, and who knows? Your child may possess the talent to become a future Olympic archery champion," Robbins said with a grin.

February 13, 2009
Contact: Steve Robbins, 386-758-0525

Regards,
Albert A Rasch
The Hunt Continues...

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