Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : August 23, 2005

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

State Chapter of NWTF Sponsoring the WV Schools for the Deaf and Blind

In the WV Archery in the Schools Program

(Press Conference to be held in Romney on September 8 th )

  The West Virginia State Chapter of the National Wildlife Turkey Federation (NWTF), along with the Potomac Highland's Chapter, will be sponsoring the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind in the WV Archery in the Schools Program by donating $2,000 for the purchase of the necessaryequipment to participate. Through NWTF's sponsorship, the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind will become the first school of its kind to participate in this nationwide program.

  The Archery in the Schools Program originated in 22 Kentucky Schools in 2002, under the name “ On Target for Life.” Since then, this program has taken off, reaching students in more than 322 Kentucky Schools and 24 other states. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) implemented the program in 19 schools in the fall of 2004 and, since then, the Mountain State has experienced similar success with Physical Education Instructors from nearly 50 schools receiving the required Level I Certification.

  “The West Virginia State Chapter of the Turkey Federation has been a long-time supporter of WVDNR programs and has always been especially enthusiastic when it comes to getting our kids involved in outdoor activities,” said Scott Warner , Wildlife Biologist and Coordinator for the Archery Program. “Their purchase of this equipment demonstrates this commitment.”

  In order to participate in the program, Bob Haines, P.E. Instructor from the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind, attended the two-day training course recently held at Preston County High School . “I am looking forward to getting our students involved in this archery program and introducing them to an activity that teaches them a life skill,” said Haines. “We have had archery as part of our curriculum in the past, but not at this level, and the opportunity for our students to participate side-by-side with other students at a statewide archery tournament in the future makes it that much better. My students can't wait and I would like to personally thank the NWTF and the WVDNR for making this happen.”

Press Conference is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on September 8 th , on the campus of the WV Deaf and Blind School . WVDNR Director Frank Jezioro will be in attendance. For additional information, please contact Bob Haines at (304)813-1495 or Scott Warner at (304) 558-2771 .

**DNR**