LEWISTOWN, Ill.  -- The NRA Foundation has awarded the Fulton County 4-H Shooting Sports program a grant valued at $3,800 to fund shotgun and rifle ammunition, in addition to targets and other supplies. "We are very thankful for the continued support we have received from the NRA," said Krista Gray, Fulton 4-H program coordinator. "The financial support and necessary supplies make it possible for more kids to be able to be involved."

A total of 35 youth have been active in the 2023-2024 4-H Shooting Sports program. Shooting Sports is one of the most successful endeavors of the University of Illinois Extension 4-H program. Fulton County is in its eleventh year of offering Shooting Sports to area youth ages 8 to 18.

“We offer a fall session and spring session each year,” explained Gray. “Our spring session just started on April 7 and the youth and volunteers were excited to be back out on the line. Terry Cremer, Craig Hand, Ellie Nolan, Brad Robinson, Lee Roy Knuppel, and Lonnie Van Pelt are our certified Shooting Sports instructors over the air rifle, archery, .22 caliber pistol, .22 rifle, and shotgun disciplines.”

4-H Shooting Sports is designed to provide a safe, fun environment for youth to learn life skills while learning respect of firearms. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult leaders give young people a chance to develop skills in decision making, self-responsibility, teamwork, and leadership. Fulton 4-H Shooting Sports volunteers have built a strong, local program that includes the added benefits of camaraderie among the members and families.

“In 4-H, we are proud of the sense of belonging we have in our programs. Our Shooting Sports program is a perfect example of that,” noted Gray. “Positive character development is a top priority in shooting sports. The outdoor sportsmanship skills developed are just a bonus.”

Youth and adults can get involved in the 4-H Shooting Sports program. Additional adult volunteers are always welcome to apply to the program. Shooting sports volunteer trainings are offered three times per year. Interested adults can contact Krista Gray at the U of I Extension office for volunteer application details; visit the website at extension.illinois.edu/fmpt/4-h-fulton-county or call 309-547-3711.

About the National Rifle Association
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Five million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and is the leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit nra.org.

About The NRA Foundation
Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearm and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological, and artistic context.  More information about The NRA Foundation can be found online at www.nrafoundation.org.

About Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement to organize and, with help from NRA field staff, plan community events for firearms enthusiasts. All net proceeds from Friends of NRA events are allocated to The NRA Foundation, the leading charitable organization in support of the shooting sports. Through NRA Foundation grants for equipment, training materials, range improvements, and more, qualified local, state, and national programs receive aid to involve and inspire a new generation of competitive shooters. Learn more about Friends of NRA at www.friendsofnra.org.