Sport and Statistics

Archery: a safe and sound life-long activity

The benefits of archery are prompting several states, including Illinois, to associate with the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). NASP's research shows a noticeable, positive effect of archery on the students who participate. Educators report the following:

• Archery engages the unengaged.
• Archery inspires students to greater classroom achievements.
• Archery improves classroom performance.
• Archery reduces dropout rates.

In addition to these benefits, increased participation in archery increased financial and public support for wildlife education and conservation in those areas where it was introduced into the schools.

Archery is not just for large, muscular individuals, nor is it just for boys. Virtually anyone can participate and excel, and with success comes increased confidence that spreads to others areas of a child's life.

Furthermore, archery is a safe sport, with an injury rate of less than one incident per 1,000 participants-about the rate for golf. Common sports like soccer, baseball and basketball have injury rates 15 to 25 times that of archery.

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