May 9 - National Archery Day

Happy National Archery Day! On the second Saturday in May, today recognizes one of the oldest sports still in existence. Archery has been around since before 2800 B.C. when bows were being used for hunting and battle.  

In 1900, the modern Olympic games introduced archery as an official event. However, it only appeared again in 1904, 1908 and 1920. Then once again after a long absence, archery returned in 1972. 

In recent years, archery’s growing popularity is piquing people’s interest. One supporting reason points to the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) that began in Kentucky in 2002.  

Since then, the program expanded to forty-seven states and ten countries, with over 2.1 million kids participating each year! 

Archery has benefits as well. Did you know that besides improving upper body strength, archery improves mental focus? Other benefits of archery include: 

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  • The sport (like many do) develops confidence. 

• • Archery creates a sense of accomplishment. 

• • It’s social! At events, people get to know one another and exchange tips, resources, and encouragement. 

• • Archery can be practiced all year long. 

• • Participants learn a lifelong respect for safety. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

  

Celebrate National Archery in the Schools Program by sharing your archery activities using #NationalArcherySchoolsProgram on social media. 

  

HISTORY 

  

In March 2015, National Archery Day was submitted by the National Archery in the Schools Program. The second Saturday in May is generally the time the NASP tournament is held.  

This is the largest archery tournament in the world. Each year kids from all over the United States look forward to traveling to Louisville, Kentucky, for this culminating event to end their school archery year. 

The event draws over 11,500 students participating in NASP®! 

In March 2015, the Registrar of National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Archery Day to be observed annually on the second Saturday of May. 

#NationalArcherySchool 

@naspschools 

@nichecinema 

DATES
May 08, 2021 
May 07, 2022 
May 13, 2023 
May 11, 2024 
May 10, 2025 
May 09, 2026 
May 08, 2027 
May 13, 2028 
May 12, 2029 
May 11, 2030 

Media Inquiries: Visit the website below for media inquiries, press releases, and other National Archery in the Schools Program news. 

https://www.naspschools.org/news/ 

National Archery in the Schools Program contact information: 

Roy Grimes 

President, CEO 

National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) 

(502) 600-2053 

rgrimes@nasparchery.com