COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Everyone’s archery journey begins somewhere, and with the help of the Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) Club Grant, more and more youngsters have been able to pick up a bow this year!

The Ann Hoyt/Jim Easton JOAD Grant is made possible by archery legend, Ann Hoyt and the National Archery Association Foundation. Through contributions from the Ann Hoyt Legacy Fund and the National Archery Association Foundation, clubs who are actively implementing the JOAD Program can request funds up to $2,000 for items such as target butts, stands, bows, arrows, general supplies, and instructor/coach certification courses.

The grant is administered by USA Archery for USA Archery Clubs only and is not a loan. Grantees (USA Archery Clubs) are required to plan programs, submit grant proposals, respond to inquiries, keep scrupulous records of finances and program participants, and produce written reports to the grantor (USA Archery) on finances, program goals and accomplishments.

These grants can be used for target butts, stands, archery equipment, general supplies, and coach certifications to support growth of the club’s infrastructure.

Ronda Elam of Tuckasee Archery in Tennessee said, “We have been very active with the community and have held beginner archery camps. With these new archers, we introduce the sport with Genesis bows to learn their NTS system.

“As these archers are ready to move up, we often had difficulty with the children's abilities to financially afford equipment to begin their archery journey.

“However, through the JOAD grant, we have been able to purchase several different ILF risers and limbs, along with rests, clickers, etc. to allow students to check out a club bow to shoot with for this season. In addition, indoor practice supplies - such as paper faces - were purchased through grant funds.”

In total, eleven clubs from 11 different states were supported in 2024. Recipients include: Average Joes JOAD, Corner Kidz AZ Jr Olympians, Ontelaunee Rod & Gun Club, Next Arrow Archery Academy, High Desert Archery JOAD, Show Me Shooting Sports, Ocean State Archery, Pinehurst Archery, Tuckasee Archery, Mile High Archers.

“The Junior Olympic Archery Development Club Grant allowed me to purchase indoor targets for my new club from American Whitetail Archery,” added Ocean State Archery owner and head coach Cerji Colvin.

“I haven't finished assembling them all yet, but in the long term, they will allow the club to have pin shoots and tournaments. The one we've been using so far has been great!”

Pinehurst Archery in California has blossomed under Rene Monderen. Their advanced group has grown from five to 13 competitive JOAD archers. They are at capacity with their recreational classes at a weekend.

“My program is growing fast, and I was in real need for large-size quality mats that last more than one season,” explained Rene Monderen. “This grant allowed me to do just that.

“I really appreciate this grant and USA Archery’s support in promoting and growing my archery club in Pinehurst.”

You can find more information about the Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) Program, with details on how to start, grow and promote your club.

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