Albany, NY - May 13, 2016 - School districts from across New York State are invited to enroll in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) sponsored by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Acting Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today.
NASP is designed to engage students in experiential learning and improve participation in outdoor-type activities among students of all athletic abilities. DEC is involved in the program to introduce young people to archery and other shooting sports, a common way to become interested in hunting and the outdoors.
To enroll in this program, schools should contact Melissa Bailey, the state program coordinator for NASP-NY, at 315-793-2515 or via email.
"The National Archery in the Schools Program started in New York in 2008 and has grown rapidly since then," Acting Commissioner Seggos said.
"This cooperative effort between conservation agencies, school districts, and private organizations is a great way to bring the sport of archery to thousands of students across the state. Archery requires precision and practice, and allows students of all athletic abilities to compete equally for top honors."
As part of this program, an annual competition is held statewide between participating schools. The second annual New York State NASP tournament was held with great success on March 4 in Utica New York, with 513 students from 23 school districts participating in three divisions: High School, grades 9-12; Middle School, grades 6-8; and Elementary School, grades 4-5.
The overall top female archer in the tournament was Jordan Sands from Hinsdale High School in Cattaraugus County with a score of 276 out of 300. The top male archer in the tournament was Jonathon Pecora from St. Joseph by the Sea High School in Richmond County with a score of 274 out of 300. Each received a trophy, a Genesis bow and bow case, a Morrell target and a dozen arrows. Awards were also given out in each of the three divisions for first through fifth places.
The first place team in the high school division was St. Joseph by the Sea High School in Richmond County. The first place team in the middle school division was Canaseraga Middle School in Allegany County. The first place team in the elementary division was Hinsdale Elementary School in Cattaraugus County.
Individuals that placed in the top 10 and teams that placed 1st in each of the three divisions qualify to compete and represent New York at the national NASP tournament held. Last year, 77 students from New York State participated in the national NASP tournament in Kentucky.
NASP continues to grow at the national level with 2.3 million students participating in the program during the 2013-14 school year. More than 12,000 schools in 47 states, Washington D.C., Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia have adopted the program. In New York State, 294 schools from 159 school districts participate in the program and over 34,000 students participated in the program during the 2014-2015 school year.
For more information on NASP and to view the NASP photo gallery, see the National Archery in the Schools Program webpage on DEC's website.
DEC is looking for volunteers to assist in training physical education teachers for the NASP. Those interested in volunteering or know of a school that would like to join the program can also contact Melissa Bailey at 315-793-2515 or on e-mail.