Louisville, Kentucky -- The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) will conduct the largest archery tournament in US history May 9 and 10, 2008 at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center.

NASP President Roy Grimes has received confirmation of almost 3000 entrants from twenty two states and 175 schools. The previous record for the largest archery tournament was set by NASP in 2006 at 2,192.

NASP was started in 22 pilot schools in Kentucky in 2002. The program quickly spread to 45 other states, Canada, and Australia. New Zealand and South Africa will be trained this summer. More than 5000 US schools are in the program which has taught more than 3,000,000 US school children in grades 4- 12. The program is taught in schools by NASP certified teachers and is a part of the school curriculum.

Teachers report that NASP provides students a way to learn a lifetime skill and understand the value of focus, concentration, and practice skills. Administrators report that on the day archery is taught attendance may be improved because students ‘don’t want to miss archery.’ NASP students report that archery gives them immediate feedback and provides a sport in which everyone can participate. NASP activities are open to all students. Girls and boys compete together and use the same universally fit equipment. Rigorous safety rules and training precede any school entering the program.

The tournament will begin Friday, May 9, 2008 in the South Wing of the Fairgrounds at 6:30pm and 8:00am on Saturday. National team and individual champions will be crowned at approximately 8:00pm Saturday. The top 4 boys and top 4 girls scores will compete in a separate “Scholarship Shoot-Off” for $14,000 in college scholarships.

Observation of the tournament is open to the public for a $5 admission fee.