Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : January 5, 2006

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

Contact: Scott Warner , Wildlife Resources Section (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

Thirty-Five Schools to Participate in WV's Archery in the Schools Training Program January 10 and 11, Sponsored by Cabela's  

  Physical fitness instructors from 35 schools, representing counties from the entire West Virginia northern panhandle, will participate in the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) training for the West Virginia 's Archery in the Schools Program at the Cabela's store in Wheeling on January 10th and 11th, according to Scott Warner , Program Coordinator.

  DNR implemented this program in the fall of 2004 in 19 schools around West Virginia as part of its pilot program to introduce physical education students to an activity in which anyone can participate and learn a life skill that can be enjoyed beyond the classroom. Since then DNR has provided additional training throughout West Virginia and the program has tripled in size, with 81 physical fitness instructors from 56 schools successfully completing the Level I Certification as required to participate.

  “Cabela's has always expressed an interest in assisting the DNR with getting more schools, especially the ones in the northern panhandle, involved in this program,” Warner said. “The support we have received from Cabela's has been tremendous and I can't think of a better place for us to host this training. I would also like to thank local school officials for their interest in allowing us to bring this program to the northern panhandle.”

  “Cabela's is looking forward to hosting this training and being a part of a program that has attracted a great deal of attention nationally,” said Dale Wildman, Dept. Manager for Cabela's. “It's nice to know our West Virginia store is the first in the nation to host this training, and a lot of credit needs to be given to Delegate Jack Yost and the DNR. But it's about the kids, and I am excited about getting youth involved in an activity that I have enjoyed throughout my lifetime.”

  For additional information on the West Virginia Archery in the Schools Program, visit DNR's Web site at www.wvdnr.gov or call (304) 558-2771.

**DNR**

NOTE TO NEWS EDITORS: If you plan to cover the Archery in the Schools training workshop, please contact Scott Warner at 304-558-2771 or Dale Wildman at Cabela's IN ADVANCE at (304) 238-0120 to arrange the best times for interviews and photos.