The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) event is also held during the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo Saturday, February 16 from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm in HALL 5.
Hosted by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in partnership with the Mule Deer Foundation and Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, schools from across Utah will gather to compete for the Utah National Archery in the Schools Program State Tournament. Over 1,000 youth sign up to compete. Awards for Elementary, Middle School and High School, as well as both individual and team awards will be presented.
NASP teaches international-style target archery in physical education classes for grades 4 through 12. The program fits easily into the school day, usually as a two-week PE course. The course covers archery history, safety, technique, equipment, concentration, core strengthening, physical fitness and self-improvement. Before presenting the archery course to students, teachers undergo a rigorous eight-hour NASP training program.
Utah has become the thirty-second state to participate in NASP, and the program is gaining momentum. More than 100 Utah schools are trained and participate in NASP, ranging from 4th through 12th grade, and reaching approximately 18,000 Utah youth during the school year. This program offers students lifelong skills and provides many additional benefits. The DWR is working to introduce NASP in other schools across the state. By partnering with sportsmen’s groups and other conservation organizations, the DWR hopes to minimize or eliminate the cost of equipment and instruction.
For more information, visit naspschools.org or contact RaLynne Takeda at ralynnetakeda@utah.gov.
Visit NASP in Utah here.
Visit NASP National here.
