Prairie State Wire

The Illinois State Archery Tournament is scheduled for March 22, 2025, at the Emerald Sports Complex in Mattoon. This event showcases the skills of student archers from across Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) have collaborated with the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) to support young archers by providing twelve $1,000 scholarships. These scholarships are intended to honor the dedication, skill, and academic achievements of students competing at a high level.

"The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is proud to be among the first 10 states that registered to participate in the National Archery in the Schools Program," said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. "We recognized early on that archery offers a special opportunity to reach young people, build their confidence, and encourage them to get outdoors and have fun."

In addition to this tournament, Danville High School will host an International Bowhunting Organization (IBO 3-D) archery event on April 5. Four $1,000 scholarships will be awarded during this event as well.

Archery provides opportunities for a diverse range of athletes, including those with disabilities. It allows participants to be part of a team while developing valuable skills. Research shows that students involved in NASP-sponsored programs often perform better academically and experience higher self-esteem.

For more information about the Illinois NASP or details about the national program, interested parties can visit their respective websites.