The Canora branch of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) donated $1,000 to the National Archery in the School Program (NASP) at the Canora Junior Elementary School (CJES) and $500 to the NASP program at the Canora Composite School (CCS) on January 24.
Steven Wyonzek, SWF president, said the group sees this is an worthwhile investment in the future.
“It’s important to get the kids involved with archery and enjoying the outdoors when they are at a young age.”
Students are eligible for NASP starting in Grade 4. Rod Steciuk, CJES coach, said all of the school’s Grade 4 students, a total of 48 archers, are involved in the program this year. The future for the program appears to be bright, because many Grade 3 students have indicated they can’t wait until they’re old enough to get involved.
Steciuk said there are multiple benefits for students who get involved in NASP.
“Anyone can do it and can have success relatively quickly if they give it a good effort. They have a lot of fun, and it helps them feel good about themselves.”
He said the donation to CJES will be used to cover ongoing costs, including replacing worn out arrows, targets, bows and bowstrings.
Even though CJES and CCS are two different schools, the NASP programs are like one big team, said Thomas Lowes, CCS coach.
Lowes said the CCS portion of the donation will either be used to cover tournament fees or to cover ongoing costs. He said financial support from groups such as the SWF make all the difference in keeping the archery program going.
He said 51 students from grades 5-12 are involved in NASP at CCS currently, “which may be the highest ever,” and said students continue to benefit from the program as they get older.
“It really helps them improve their focus. For those who don’t do other sports, it gives them a chance to be part of a positive group activity.”
Lowes said many of the students involved in NASP plan to be hunters in the future, and the program provides them with a good opportunity to work on those skills.
