(The following article was written by Waldo Cleland (Director of the Jackson Archery Center)
It was subsequently published in the Clarion Ledger newspaper.
On Saturday July 2, 2011, exactly 100 archers visited the MDWFP Jackson Archery Center to compete in the first annual” AIMS for Success” 3-D tournament. This shoot was a joint project for the MBA (Mississippi Bowhunters Association) and the JAC (Jackson Archery Center). The MBA provided a first class concession area with fresh grilled food, refreshments, man power, and their 3-d coordinator, (Bill Tolbert), shared ideas, direction, and advice that enabled the JAC staff to set up a top notch 3-D course. This was our first adult tournament held at the Archery Center and I was really shocked at the participation in the event. The MBA also provided a Media and Internet campaign that was directly responsible for the high number of shooters that attended this shoot. With shooters from as far away as South Carolina and as local as Flora we are sure this type of promotional directive is essential.
The 20 target course was set up in the river bottom land located just south of the Archery Center in a wildlife rich environment. Each target represented a native animal of Mississippi and was marked with a 12, 10, 8, and 5 scoring ring. Each archer was allowed to fire one arrow per target then proceeds to the next target. There was a lot of laughing and fun going on at this tournament, stated one of the 150 or so spectators. As we all know, when a large number of sportsmen gather for such a great cause, sportsmanship, courtesy, and mutual respect was shared throughout the day between the different facets of the archery community. The temperature soared to triple digits, but water coolers were placed strategically throughout the range allowing participates to relax and enjoy their 4th of July holiday weekend. Many shooters commented positively on the range, facility and results (through our school programs) Many of the shooters offered advice or suggestions that will improve our future matches, advice that is appreciated and will be heeded in the future.
As the tournament concluded at 5 o’clock, the awards were handed out and an enormous amount of door prizes were handed out. The entry fees were totaled and the entire amount was donated to the FOUNDATION for the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks earmarked for the AIMS (Archery in Mississippi Schools). This money can be added to the many thousands of dollars donated yearly by the MBA for our archery program that is going strong in over 200 schools in our great state. This program has single handedly curbed school dropout rates and changed the directions of many children’s lives in the few short years it has been available to our school systems. If you have interest in getting your school involved in this valid program please contact Waldo Cleland at (601)674-0777 or email Waldo at:
msarcheryinschools@hotmail.com.
Thanks again to our friends at the MBA for all of your work and help. Remember- We are changing lives, one arrow at a time.
