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NRA Partners with the National High School Rodeo Association

FAIRFAX, Va. — When the 2008 National High School Finals Rodeo kicks off July 20-26 in Farmington, N.M., the National Rifle Association will be on hand to support the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) in running the competition’s youth shooting events.

NRA played a key role in crafting the shooting competitions held each year at the finals. For example, NRA worked with NHSRA to develop a trapshooting competition patterned after Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) events. A lever-action .22 event was also designed by NRA to fit into the overall western theme of the existing rodeo program.

“With 140 years of competitive shooting experience, it’s a natural partnership for NRA to work with youth organizations like NHSRA to develop youth shooting programs,” said Larry Quandahl, Manager of NRA Youth Programs. “It’s easy to see that the rodeo participants love the shooting events, and we designed them to fit the needs and interests of the kids.”

While NRA staff will be on hand to help with the shooting, the essential role NRA provides, Quandahl said, is in developing a youth shooting program’s infrastructure.

“We train Range Safety Officers and provide training,” said Quandahl. “So many groups can benefit from NRA support. We’re here to help, and, at the end of the day, to go home and leave the original organization with its own independent program.”

With NRA’s support, the NHSRA hopes to increase its participation from an already large group of more then 800 contestants representing each of the 50 states. At the finals, students vie for scholarships and awards from NRA totaling $6,000.

“I’m proud to say 138 contestants are coming to shoot this year, which is double, almost triple, what we had last year,” NHSRA Wrangler Division Assistant Coordinator Lyn Larsen said. “We’re really well aligned with NRA. I have received the assistance that I need to make this successful, and I know that any question I have, the NRA is a phone call or an e-mail away. It feels like a great partnership.”

For more information on the services NRA Youth Programs can provide, visit www.nrahq.org/youth/index.asp or call 703-267-1505.