PIERRE, S.D. - The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) sponsored by Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) currently has 281 schools trained in the program with around 20,000 students participating each year. GFP hosts an eight hour safety and proficiency training for educators free of cost.

Upon completion of the training, educators are eligible to receive free archery equipment to conduct the program in their school. Schools with trained instructors can send students to state NASP tournaments. Six hundred students registered this past year.

"Studies have shown that 70 percent of participants in NASP are shooting a bow and arrow for the first time," said Patrick Klotzbach, NASP coordinator for South Dakota. "GFP is excited that these students are getting a safe introduction to the shooting sports."

"The kids in NASP are learning a life skill," said Klotzbach. "We hope that these young people enjoy archery for years to come."

NASP is created upon the foundation to promote outdoor learning and conservation as well as motor ability and observation skills in achieving state and national education standards.

Archery training for grades 4-12 has been in place in South Dakota schools since 2007.

For more information on NASP trainings or to register for training, contact outdoorprogramming@gmail.com or call 605.220.2130.