Bass Pro issues $100K grant to archery program

Bass Pro Shops yesterday issued a $100,000 donation to the National Archery in the Schools Program.

It's the fourth $100,000 grant from Bass Pro in as many years for the program, which supports more than 1 million students in North America by establishing new school archery chapters and covering the cost of equipment, according to a news release. In Missouri, NASP has 770 participating schools, including the Springfield Public Schools district, and 90,000 students involved.

“Not only do they learn the skill of archery, but archery has also proven to be a gateway into other outdoor recreational opportunities,” said Bob Ziehmer, senior director of conservation at Bass Pro, in the release. “Schools record that many participants, due to the discipline required in archery, notice academic benefits as well.”

The funding from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund also goes toward the coordination of competitions and coaching teams.

During the ceremony yesterday at Bass Pro's flagship store in Springfield, students from local NASP chapters performed an archery demonstration in the parking lot, according to the release.

“With the support of our partners, we have been able to remove barriers to participation for students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds,” said Marty Marsh, assistant athletic director for SPS, in the release. “Today, many students who would not have been a part of a school sports team proudly identify themselves as members of their school’s archery team.”