NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Incorporated 1871

11250 Waples Mill Road – Fairfax, VA 22030

For Immediate Release                                                    For More Information, Contact:

January 29, 2009                                                                   Danielle Sturgis (703) 267-1595

NRA Disabled Shooting Services Plan
Open Range Day for April 11, 2009

NRA DISABLED SERVICES LAUNCHES

NRA KEWL KIDS

FAIRFAX, Va. — NRA KEWL Kids is the latest program offered by the National Rifle Association’s Disabled Shooting Services. The event is scheduled for May 2, 2009 at the Izaak Walton League in Fairfax, VA. The day will focus on outside activities for children between the ages of 8 -18 with physical disabilities and will include .22 rifle, air rifle, archery and fishing.

Disabled Shooting Services Manager Vanessa Warner expects approximately 30 participants for this event. “KEWL stands for Kids Excel Without Limits and was created to show children with disabilities that participating in the world of outdoor sports can be a reality,” Warner said. “This inaugural event is to be the pilot for what we intend to become a national program that will help other clubs to bring children with disabilities to their facilities.”

Warner has secured the support of Avery Outdoor Outfitters, Bass Pro Shops, Beeman Precision Airguns, Birchwood Casey, EPS-Doublet, Lapua, and Mars Supermarkets. “We are still accepting product donations for ‘give-aways’ and door prizes,” Warner said.

The event will kick off with safety instruction conducted by NRA-certified instructors. Participants will then head to the ranges, where Range Safety Officers and volunteers will continue the supervision and instruction. There is no fee for participants and lunch will be included.

“We are very excited to offer the NRA KEWL Kids program to the disabled community,” said Mike Krei, Director of Competitive Shooting. “Although the program was designed specifically with the needs of children with disabilities in mind, the entire shooting community stands to benefit from the experience.”

For additional information or to register for the event contact Vanessa Warner at NRA Headquarters at (703) 267-1495 or disabled-shooting@nrahq.org. To learn more about NRA’s Disabled Services, visit http://www.nrahq.org/compete/disabled.asp

Photos and Text By Lisa Metheny

Muzzy awarded its annual Tall Man Award at this year’s Archery Trade Show in Indianapolis, Indiana to legendary bowhunter Ray Howell. The Tall Man Award is one of the highest honors given within the archery industry and is the top honor handed out by the broadhead maker Muzzy®.  

The Tall Man Award is given to individuals that “stand tall” within the industry, more than just excellent archery skills are required to be considered for this award by Muzzy. Commitment to the sport of archery, a dedication to preserving the bowhunting heritage and a willingness to help others achieve their dreams through archery are just a few of the characteristics that Muzzy looks for before they name a Tall Man.

Ray Howell of Kicking Bear 1 on 1 fits all those character requirements by Muzzy. With a life long dedication to the sport of archery and commitment to making trouble youths lives better through his Kicking Bear programs, Howell is certainly worthy of such a distinguishing award.

Reading the names of previous recipients is like reading a list of “who’s who” within the bowhunting industry, names such as Judy Kovar, Dr. Dave Samuel and Joella Bates to mention a few. Muzzy once again hit the bull’s-eye with this year’s recipient Ray Howell.

“Ray is an inspiration, having started out in life with the odds stacked against him. Foster homes and getting in trouble with the law, one person who took the time take him hunting, completely turned his life around.  Unlike most others, instead of using a tough start in life as an excuse, he is a shining example of giving back.  His kicking bear camps touch thousands of youth.  We are thrilled to recognize him for all he does for our sport.” reflects Michele Musacchia-Eichler, CEO of Muzzy Products

For more information on Kicking Bear 1 on 1 and see how you can help Ray visit their Web site.

Courtesy of National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)

WHITETAILS UNLIMITED STARTS SHOOTING PROGRAM . . . The sportsmen/conservation organization, Whitetails Unlimited, has begun a program to encourage youths to try their hand at riflery, using either rimfire or centerfire ammunition, while following the 10 commandments of firearm safety. Youth are rewarded for shooting accuracy, in this Kids on Target program, with a “silver medal” and a personalized certificate.

For more information visit the Whitetails Unlimited Web site at www.whitetailsunlimited.com