MADISON – Nearly 1,600 of Wisconsin’s youth archers are set to gather March 29-30 to aim for top honors at the 2019 Wisconsin National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) state tournament at Wisconsin Dells.
The annual event will be held at the Woodside Convention and Expo Center. The tournament is open to the public and free for all spectators.
Daniel Schroeder, coordinator of the department’s NASP, says the tournament offers fun, exciting views for spectators.
“These competitors in grades 4 through high school travel from 66 Wisconsin schools. They are serious about their archery skills and it is exciting to watch them compete,” Schroeder said.
Athletes and their families travel from all over the state to compete for awards and to qualify for the NASP national tournament held each year in Louisville, Kentucky.
Schroeder says the program offers school children a chance to experience a sport they may not have known was available to them. “This program is growing because the schools are dedicated, getting more students into the sport,” he said. “Students who may not see themselves as competitive athletes have found their sport – and it is confidence builder in academics and beyond.”
The Wisconsin Dells state tournament also will feature a competitive NASP/IBO 3-D animal range, a bow fishing shooting area and several exhibitors.
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 website, dnr.wi.gov, and search keyword “NASP” or visit naspschools.org
