A24 - PRAIRIE POST - Friday, April 20, 2012
Sports Shaunavon students take aim with new program
BY PAUL MACNEIL Shaunavon High School has launched a new
program aimed at providing a unique extra- curricular activity for students. The local school recently established a National
Archery in the Schools (NASP) program, and already the initiative seems to be a hit. Fifteen enthusiastic students have signed up to
participate in the program, which got underway in February with a series of classroom sessions. “The students had to take part in three mandatory
classroom sessions before they were even allowed to touch a bow,” said SHS principal Connie Allemand, alluding to the strict safety measures required through NASP. The program was approved by the Chinook School
Division in June of 2011, but it took organizers several months to acquire the equipment and complete the certification process. First established in Kentucky in 2002, NASP is designed to teach students the basics of archery and
covers content such as history, safety, technique, concentration skills, physical fitness and self- improvement. The program has since spread to include
participants in a half dozen countries, including five Canadian provinces. There are now more than seven million students taking part in the program. Officials say NASP has the ability to make a
difference in students’ lives by affecting attendance in a positive manner, increasing self-esteem, and increasing physical activity. Supporters say the program is also unique in that
it crosses gender and strength lines. Many children are able to succeed in a sport for the first time. “It gives students an opportunity to try another
activity,” explained Allemand, who helped submit the school’s bid to Chinook officials last year along with fellow SHS teacher Nancy Leroy. “The program has enjoyed success in other schools and we thought it was something that Shaunavon students would enjoy and benefit from, as well.” NASP’s regulations make it mandatory for all
instructors to be trained and follow strict guidelines to ensure participant safety. The Shaunavon team currently has six certified
instructors, including Connie Allemand, Darryl Allemand, Nancy Leroy, James Leroy, Jason Allemand and Derek Moe. The program’s safety standards exceed the
curriculum recommendations outlined by Saskatchewan Ministry of Education and local organizers have ensured all guidelines listed in the Chinook School Division Sport and Activity Handbook will be met at all times. “It is important to note that our policy will state
Photo by Paul MacNeil Shaunavon has a vibrant archery club.
that at least one trained Chinook employee is in attendance at NASP activities or the activity will be cancelled,” stated Allemand.
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The Shaunavon affiliation of the Cypress Hills
Archery Club has also agreed to provide support for the project and a number of its members have offered their services and assistance. The initial cost of starting up the program was $3,500, which includes the purchase of all the necessary equipment. The equipment included 12 compound bows, five targets, arrows, a safety net, arrow holders, bow holders and personal safety equipment. Organizers were able to cover the start up costs thanks to several generous donations, including $1,000 contributions from both the Cypress Hills Archery Club (Shaunavon Affiliate) and the Shaunavon Wildlife Federation. Shaunavon High School received a grant of $1,000
from NASP, that is available to all first-time participants, and officials are currently in the process of submitting another grant bid to the Pope and Young club, a bow hunting and conservation organization.
Additional funds will be raised through student fundraising and extra-curricular fees. In fact, the group will be raising some funds by assisting with an SGI survey in the spring and fall. The SHS students have been holding regular practice sessions at the school’s gymnasium once a week. The group is preparing for its first competition, a
provincial tournament that will take place in Moose Jaw on April 28. The event is expected to draw about 350 participants from across Saskatchewan. “I think the kids are really excited about the
tournament and are looking forward to their first big competition.” The team may also take part in an online
tournament in May organized by a club from Yorkton.
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