On March 22, 2014, over 500 youth shotgun shooters from all over the state will be in Tucson to compete for the Arizona State Commissioners Cup Skeet event. This event will be held at the Tucson Trap and Skeet Club at 7800 Old Ajo Highway.
The winners will be invited to compete at the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) National Championships to be held in Sparta, Illinois. These youth will range in ages from 9 to 21-years-old. Some have been shooting for almost 10 years and for some, this will be their first competition. For all of these young athletes, it will be a time in their life that they will always remember.
The Scholastic Clay Target Program is a nationwide program for youth age 9 to 21. In Arizona, this program is administered by the Arizona Game and Fish Dept. AZGFD certifies and background checks the volunteer adult coaches who work with these youth. Arizona has over 1000 youth athletes in 32 clubs.
Teaching the youth to shoot and compete has many benefits. These youth are very safe with firearms, and they help their peers be safe also. Student athletes are more confident in themselves and their abilities; this confidence will follow them throughout their lives. Many student athletes become leaders in their schools and their communities. Many of these young people will learn to focus their minds and bodies on the task at hand allowing them to succeed at anything they want to do.
The shooting sports are truly a sport for all ages. It’s Fun!! Friendships are developed and helping others is encouraged. If you or your youth is interested, please come out to the Tucson Trap and Skeet Club and watch these young athletes compete. The benefits are endless.
Below are a few links to follow for more information
http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/scholastic_claytarget.shtml