Williamsburg, KY – Georgia S3DA has drastically improved the participation numbers for their 3-D season yet again. The 2019 growth was evident when parents, family members, coaches, and archers filled the woods at the Franklin County Parks and Recreation Complex in Carnesville, GA.

B.A.M.M. Archery served as the host club for the 2019 3-D State Championship by utilizing the Franklin County Parks and Recreation Complex. This venue features multiple concession stands, spacious parking lots, more than enough green space and an awesome coverage of hardwood trees. B.A.M.M. Archery Head Coach, Len Hardy stated it was the ideal place for hosting an archery event. B.A.M.M. Archery has previously hosted several local and regional archery events, but nothing of this magnitude. GA State Coordinator, Jake Martin stated, “Len and his team did a phenomenal job. I could not have asked for a better event.”

Georgia S3DA brought in a little different twist for this event and hosted the up and coming podcast team of John Chandler and Robbie Surface. John was able to work his way through the ranges and take over 1,200 pictures that were shared with the public. John and Robbie also ran video and a live broadcast of the entire shoot down. The most interesting part of the Georgia Archery media involvement was the archer interviews before and after the event.

GA S3DA State Coordinator, Jake Martin stated, “There was a 20% increase in S3DA archer participation from 2018 to 2019. If you really want to know what S3DA is doing to change the lives of these kids, then you need to listen to the interviews from the Georgia Archery media podcasts.”

As college scholarship opportunities have become synonymous with S3DA, Georgia was able to award multiple college scholarships to 17 high school students. Georgia S3DA would like to thank Lindsey Wilson College, Bethel College, Southeastern Illinois College, University of Pikeville and Union College for making these scholarships available. Georgia S3DA has several students that have signed with these schools and various other colleges to continue their love of archery. The most exciting scholarship news to come from the event was the announcement of the Georgia S3DA scholarship. Thanks to the Georgia S3DA sponsors Genesis LAW Outfitters and JSD Trophy and Awards, Georgia S3DA amassed $2,000 to present in the form of scholarships. GA S3DA State Coordinator, Jake Martin stated, “Through the partnership and sponsorship of these two Georgia businesses this scholarship fund was able to get started. A portion of every Georgia S3DA jersey and trophy sale was given to the state for the sole use of a scholarship fund.” Georgia S3DA took this award one step further and decided that the money could also be used for trade schools or apprenticeship programs. The board of directors decided that this money should be made available to those students that choose to become first responders or join the military. At the end of the day, Georgia S3DA presented four $500 certificates to each graduating senior that was fully qualified for the State Shooter of the Year program. The final decision for this criterion was made because it demonstrated the hard work put in by these four individuals, their dedication to S3DA and their drive to finish something they started.

Georgia archers are now looking forward to and preparing for the S3DA Outdoor Target and 3-D National Championships on July 9th-13th in Metropolis, Illinois. If you would like to learn more information about the program, please check out the Georgia S3DA Facebook page.

Started in December 2012 by the Scholastic Archery Association, S3DA has grown exponentially as a next step program to follow introductory programs offered as part of 4-H or the National Archery in Schools Program. S3DA addresses the need for a program to bridge beginning target archery experience and more advanced activities such as 3-D shooting and bowhunting. The program currently operates across the United States with hundreds of certified coaches serving

thousands of young archers, grades 3–12. For more information on S3DA membership go to: WWW.S3DA.ORG or email: infos3darchery@gmail.com. Check out S3DA on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram