WHO SAID I WAS TOO YOUNG ??

Johnny Kennedy

As the morning time came around to 9 a.m. the little voices became more diligent and loud as they prepared every aspect of their equipment. The time was nearing for them to let their first arrow fly at the Rhinehart 3-d target set in amongst the tall oaks and pines. Every face displayed a smile and exuberant laughter, but sincerity in judging their distance to the target. The place, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, another of 7 Archery Shooters Association Tournaments held across the U.S.

Yes, the competition is for ALL AGES and seeing the amount of young children with their parents and sharing the family aspect together is a pleasure no one should miss. Being an Instructor and working with over 4000 kids in the past year, it is the light of my life to see and work with these jubilant little faces. As the day wears on the kids never seem to tire; just to be involved is their main concern. Ginger Hopwood, An Olympic Instructor and Mentor of the KIDS FUN SHOOT, gathers her targets and bows every tournament to provide these shooters with the best knowledge and leadership available. Each tournament provides these kids the availability to compete and learn safety and respect for their equipment and the art of archery with which they share with their family.

Kids from the age of three start shooting here and most of the time you cannot make them quit shooting. It’s the highlight of your life to see the smile on a 3-year-old as she or he bust a balloon, or just hits a target. Most of the time it does not even matter if they hit the target or not just as long as they are able to shoot their bow as mom, dad and older brothers or sisters do. So here’s the key: IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR, something for the whole family to do together. It just does not get any better than FAMILY. So the next time your youngest wants to help you fetch your arrows, make it a point to let them help. It means more than you can realize what's in their little minds. No matter what your age or your ability, things can get accomplished if you let them. If they have the desire, encourage them and help them. As Alex Basco who shoots in the Eagle class demonstrates, you are only limited as you want to be.