Saskatchewan NASP Team Travels to Kentucky - PDF Click Here
The Board of Directors of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation would like to congratulate Saskatchewan’s NASP group that attended the National Archery in the Schools Program national tournament in Louisville, Kentucky May 8 & 9, 2009. Students from across the province worked hard to qualify and raise funds to attend the prestigious event.
The archers representing Saskatchewan were the first participants in the national shoot from outside the United States.
“It was exciting being part of history,” said Rod Steciuk, Principal and NASP Coach from Canora Junior Elementary School.
“They started the opening ceremonies with our national anthem and welcomed Saskatchewan for being the first team ever from Canada to attend the NASP Nationals. “
The group from Saskatchewan, totaling 76, included archers, coaches and chaperones from Canora, Saltcoats and Yorkton and an entire team from Maude Bourke School in Melfort .
The Melfort team raised $30, 000 in three weeks so they could take a bus load on a 30 hour road trip.
“It was a fun trip,” said Randy Steciuk, Principal and NASP Coach from Maude Burke Community School – yes they are brothers.
“Many sights were seen along the way and kids had their eyes glued to the windows numerous times.”
The Melfort group met up with the others from Saskatchewan that flew and joined 4, 500 other archers in the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center.
“The building was so huge - it was the biggest building we had ever seen,” Rod Steciuk said.
The tournament was a great experience for all of the students and the coaches and they represented Saskatchewan well.
“The people treated us like celebrities,” says Rod Steciuk.
“People couldn’t stop coming to us because of the Canadian flags on one sleeve of our team shirt and the Saskatchewan flag on the other.”
NASP Officials went out of their way to make the Saskatchewan group feel welcome and continually noted that their presence made this year truly an international event.
” As one head official said to the kids - when you are 95, you are going to be able to tell your grandkids that you were the first Canadians to ever shoot in this event,” Randy Steciuk shared.
How did the team do in the competition? Some personal bests were made and everyone learned a great deal.
“We were very proud - our top score was an amazing 247 out of 300 points,” Randy Steciuk noted.
The Saskatchewan group took the opportunity to learn more about Kentucky while they were there and visited the Louisville Slugger Museum, Churchill Downs and the second largest Bass Pro shop in the world.
“It was a great experience,” said Randy Steciuk.
“We have tired kids, but tired kids with memories that will last a lifetime!”
The Story From Two Brothers
Randy Steciuk, Coach and Principal from Maude Burke Community School story – Click Here
Rod Steciuk, Coach and Principal from Canora Junior Elementary School story– Click Here
Thank You
NASP Students Thank You For Kentucky Trip - Read More
In The News
The winners of the Saskatchewan NASP provincial shoot are the first team from outside the United States to compete in the National NASP Shoot held in Kentucky. It has been getting some media attention:
Student Archers on Target for World Record
National Archery in the Schools Program May 12, 2009 Press Release – Click Here
Background Information
The National Archery in the Schools Program began 7 years ago in Kentucky, and now has chapters in 46 states and has expanded to Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation introduced NASP to Saskatchewan in December 2007. Currently there are teachers in 37 schools that are trained for NASP in Saskatchewan.
The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) is a non-profit, non-governmental, charitable organization with more than 30,000 members in122 branches throughout the province. Through its many programs, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation has become a nationally acknowledged leader in wildlife resources protection, outdoor education, and the enhancement of recreational opportunities for all citizens of Saskatchewan. Per capita, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation is the largest conservation organization of its kind in the world.
For more information please contact: Darrell Crabbe, SWF Executive Director
Phone (306) 692-8812 Cell (306) 630-8780
e-mail sask.wildlife@sasktel.net or on the web at: www.swf.sk.ca
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