(BRANSON, Mo, July 23, 2024) – Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Explore Branson and the Branson Convention Center managed by ASM Global are thrilled to announce that the Missouri National Archery in Schools Program (MoNASP) State Tournament will be hosted in Branson, MO, from March 19-22, 2025 at the Branson Convention Center. The MoNASP State Tournament has been hosted in Branson since 2017, but this will be the first year of a three-year agreement. This exciting event will bring together talented youth archers from across the state to compete in a celebration of skill, sportsmanship and teamwork.
The MoNASP State Tournament has seen tremendous growth and is the second largest state archery tournament in the nation. More than 4,300 student archers throughout Missouri are expected to compete in the 2025 state tournament after shooting qualifying scores through various local MoNASP tournaments over the past year. These and other MoNASP student archers will be eligible to participate in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) National Tournament. Learn more at https://nasptournaments.org/.
“The positive impact MoNASP has on student archers is evident through the exponential growth over the last few years,” said MDC MoNASP Coordinator Rob Garver. “We are happy to see so many students excelling at the sport and watching their confidence grow in their archery skills and in their schooling.”
MoNASP is a cornerstone of youth archery in Missouri. Hosts MCHF and MDC have chosen Branson for its vibrant community spirit, excellent facilities, and beautiful surroundings, providing the perfect backdrop for this highly anticipated tournament. Participants and spectators alike can look forward to thrilling competitions and memorable experiences in the heart of the Ozarks.
“Branson is the ideal place to hold the MoNASP State Tournament,” said MCHF Executive Director Tricia Burkhardt. “The student archers competing feel safe and offers a great vacation spot for many of the families attending. The commitment from our partners is what makes this event so impactful for our youth and we are excited to be working alongside the Branson community for the next three years!”
Moreover, hosts MCHF and MDC are pleased to confirm a contract extension with Explore Branson and the Branson Convention Center, ensuring that the State Tournament will continue to captivate audiences in this picturesque location for the next three years. This commitment underscores Branson’s dedication to supporting youth sports and fostering the growth of archery among Missouri’s students. Bringing in an estimated economic impact of 9.2 million dollars to the local economy, the Missouri National Archery in Schools Program has had a lasting impact on Branson and will continue to grow in the coming years.
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About Explore Branson
Branson is a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains with dozens of live performance theaters, three pristine lakes, numerous attractions and museums, Historic Downtown district, a full range of dining options, and a host of hotels, motels, resort, RV parks, campgrounds and meeting and conference facilities and sports venues. Branson is less than a day’s drive for one-third of America’s populace. Call 1-800-2696-0463 for help planning your next vacation, convention, sports event, or reunion. See more at: https://www.explorebranson.com/.
About MoNASP
MoNASP is coordinated through MDC, MCHF, and the Conservation Federation of Missouri in partnership with more than 800 participating schools and numerous supporting organizations throughout the state. More than 250,000 Missouri students participate in the program. MoNASP is an affiliate of NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program) and is an in-school program for grades 4 through 12 that teaches the basics of archery, along with the confidence, self-control, patience, and discipline necessary to succeed both behind the bow and in school and life. It provides an engaging activity that’s inclusive of nearly all children, regardless of age, size, or physical ability. Statistics show that school archery programs improve participants’ school attendance, increase their self-esteem and physical activity, and help get kids outside. Learn more about MoNASP at https://education.mdc.mo.gov/school-programs/monasp.
