Archery in Mississippi Schools events scheduled

AIMS program designed to introduce children to the sport of archery

Archery is one of the fastest-growing programs in the state’s education system, with nearly 40,000 students participating in Archery in Mississippi Schools (AIMS).

Started by the Mississippi Bowhunters Association and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and promoted by the Foundation for MDWFP, AIMS has steadily grown since its inception over a decade ago.

AIMS is designed to introduce 4th through 12th graders to the sport of archery during physical education classes or as a school team sport. The program promotes international style target archery as part of the in-school curriculum to improve educational performance and participation in shooting sports.

Research shows that the program improves students’ self-confidence, motivation, behavior, concentration and focus, and it has shown to increase a student’s desire to attend school. Educators report that the program “engages the unengaged” and inspires students to greater achievement in school.

This year, the MDWFP will be host to three school-year-ending tournaments including the state championship April 15-17 at the Kirk Fordice Equine Center at the Fairgrounds in Jackson.

About 3,000 students representing over 200 schools are expected to participate in the North and South Regional Tournaments in the preceding weeks.

The South State Tournament is March 18-19 at the Forrest County Multi Purpose Facility in Hattiesburg.

The North State Tournament is April 1-2 at the Yalobusha County Multi Purpose Facility in Coffeeville.

For more information regarding AIMS, visit www.mdwfp.com/aims or call 601-432-2400.