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#06-67 March 20, 2006

Sportsmen’s Classic to feature

 

National Archery in Schools competition March 24

The National Archery in Schools Program state tournament competition will be held Friday, March 24 as part of this year’s 22nd annual Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia.

A total of 165 South Carolina youth, fourth through 12th grade and representing 25 schools, will participate in the National Archery in Schools competition beginning noon Friday, March 24. The tournament features individual and team competition, shooting Olympic style targets. Participants will shoot 15 arrows at 10 meters and 15 arrows at 15 meters, with a possible perfect score of 300. Winners receive medals and trophies.

Contact Lt. Jim Wagers, Hunting and Boating Education coordinator for the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Columbia at (803) 734-3999 or wagersj@dnr.sc.gov for more information on the National Archery in the Schools Program in South Carolina and how your school can participate. Also check the DNR Web site at S.C. Archery in the Schools for more information.

The National Archery in the Schools Program is a joint venture between state education departments and natural resources and wildlife agencies. Several archery equipment manufacturers and organizations are also partners. The program, started in Kentucky in 2002, promotes student education and participation in the shooting sports.

The program’s focus is to provide Junior Olympic Archery Development style target archery training in K-12 physical education classes. In 2005, the National Archery in Schools Program  taught 500,000 students during school hours alone. To date, 36 states have adopted the program with another 10-14 expected to begin participation in 2006.

The 22nd Annual Palmetto Sportsmen's Classic will be held at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia March 24-26. Doors will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, March 24; from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more information on the Palmetto Sportsmen's Classic or any of the featured programs call the DNR office at (803) 734-4008 in Columbia or visit the Palmetto Sportsmen's Classic Web site.
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