More than 600 students from 32 schools across New York will be competing in the 11th annual National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) tournament at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse on Friday, March 15, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today. The program encourages youth to participate in outdoor activities and specifically the sport of archery, with the New York's competition winners moving on to a national tournament this spring.
"The National Archery in Schools Program is a great way to introduce young people to archery and a life-long outdoor activity that will strengthen their connection to nature," Commissioner Seggos said. "Archery teaches concentration and patience, and success in the sport breeds confidence and focus that can be applied to any discipline."
The event will host 47 teams of students in one of three divisions: High School, grades 9-12; Middle School, grades 6-8; and Elementary School, grades 4-5. Awards are given out in each of the three divisions for first through 10th places. Individuals who place in the Top 10 in their division, and teams that place first in each of the three divisions, qualify to compete and represent New York State at the NASP tournament held in Louisville, Kentucky, in May.
Local schools participating include Canaseraga Central and Genesee Valley.
