NSSF is pleased to announce the release of the 2016 Industry Intelligence Report on the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF). SSSF promotes youth development in the shooting sports, with its Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) arm focusing on sporting clays, trap and skeet and the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) working with action pistol and rifle sports. The 2016 Industry Intelligence Report on the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation reports on the findings of a recent research project that examined the demographics, shooting habits and spending habits of those youths enrolled in the program in 2015. Indicative of the program's success and its importance to the continued viability of the shooting industry as a whole, some of the most important findings from the report include:

• From 2013 to 2015 the number of youth athletes participating in SASP grew 49 percent; growth in SCTP since the program's inception in 2001 is an impressive 1,682 percent, with current participant numbers standing at nearly 12,500.
• 93 percent of SCTP parents surveyed said that the program had had a positive influence on their children; 52 percent said they saw their child's grades improve after participating SSSF programs.
• Estimates derived from the survey indicate that those participating in SCTP will spend more than $8 million dollars in 2016; 97 percent have made a purchase relevant to the shooting sports since becoming involved in SCTP.

"We are very pleased with the results of this report," said Randy Clark, Managing Director, Business Development. "Both the hard numbers and the testimonials from parents, participants, ranges, manufacturers and state agencies tell us that this program is invaluable in getting youth involved in the shooting sports and retaining them. That translates directly to income and growth for the industry, both immediately and long-term." "The Industry Intelligence Report (IIR) is an outstanding resource for our staff, state advisors, volunteer program coaches and anyone considering starting or sponsoring a local team," said Ben Berka, SSSF President and Executive Director. "The report showcases how the Scholastic Clay Target and Scholastic Action Shooting Programs recruit youth and families to the shooting sports, promote firearms education and make a positive impact on youth development across the country." The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation operates in all 50 states, coordinating teams at the elementary school through high school level, as well as with collegiate organizations. For more information, visit www.sssfonline.org. NSSF's 2016 Industry Intelligence Report on the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation is available to the public free of charge, and firearms industry retailers, ranges and manufacturers are particularly encouraged to download the report. "There's a tremendous amount of insight our members can gain from this report," said Clark. "It's a great foundation for creating fresh marketing and outreach plans." To download the report, click here. For more information on NSSF's Industry Intelligence Reports, visit www.nssf.org/research/IIR.

For the 3^rd year in a row, Otis Technology has signed on as a Gold Level sponsor for the 2016 National Championships that will be held at the Cardinal Center in Marengo, Ohio, on July 9-16. “Otis Technology has great products and are so willing to support our athletes by making sure they receive a donation in their goody bags at the National Championships," Rick Leach, director of development for the Scholastic Action Shooting Program, said. Heather Bennet, Otis marketing manager, said,“Otis is delighted to continue our support of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation and align with an organization that dedicates itself to introducing our youth to the shooting sports while teaching them safe firearm practices.” 

The Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) announced that firearms maker Taurus has, once again, signed on as a sponsor of the 2016 National Championships, which will be held at the Cardinal Center in Marengo, Ohio, on July 9-16. "We are so excited to have Taurus onboard again as a Silver Level Sponsor," Tammy Mowry, national program director for the SASP, said.  "They have been a great partner of ours and are always looking at ways to promote our program." Taurus is sponsoring two of the four SASP stages, Speed Trap and In and Out.  Taurus has also donated handguns that will be used throughout the year to promote the partnership.  It will also be sponsoring one $1,000 high school senior scholarship for college. “Taurus is proud to continue to support the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP),” said Tim Brandt, Taurus director of marketing. "This program teaches young athletes values such as responsibility, self-discipline, firearm safety and sportsmanship. These traits aren't just essential for the shooting sports, but will help young people in all aspects of life."

The Griffin Gun Club in Griffin, Georgia, welcomed the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) for a demo day on Saturday, March 19. The demo was held so we could introduce local parents and future athletes to our exciting program. Both the parents and the athletes were able to experience both the pistol and rifle disciplines and were able to shoot three of the SASP stages. Griffin Gun Club is a great facility and we look forward to teams starting in the local area. Thank you to Griffin Gun Club for inviting us to use the club, GLOCK for manning the stages and to the Alabama Privateers for helping us with the day and working the stages along with GLOCK. Pictures courtesy of Annie Unsell.

The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) is proud to announce its most recent sponsor, O.F. Mossberg & Sons Inc.! Mossberg’s support of the SCTP is a welcome addition to the lengthy list of firearms manufacturers and industry partners whose help and support has ensured that any child interested in the clay target sports has a place to get involved. “We are proud to sponsor the Scholastic Clay Target Program, “said John MacLellan, vice president of sales and marketing, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc..  “Mossberg has long led the industry with the largest assortment of hunting shotguns designed specifically for youth and smaller-stature shooters.  By making products that fit properly and offering them at a price parents can afford, we are able to help and ensure that those first steps afield are met with comfort, safety and success.  As we’ve expanded the Mossberg line to include some exciting new products specifically designed for target sports, it became an easy decision to add our support to the leading youth shooting program.” Mossberg is adding a new series of competition shotguns to this year's mix. The new 930 competition series, expected out spring of 2016, and Mossberg’s International Reserve series both team up in quality and reliability and offer parents and athletes firearms at prices that won’t break the bank! “We are extremely excited to have Mossberg be a part of the SCTP!” said Tom Wondrash SCTP national director. “Mossberg will add yet another avenue for our athletes. We are sincerely appreciative for their support of the Scholastic Clay Target Program and look forward to a long-lasting relationship with them!” About Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation: The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is responsible for all aspects of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) across the United States. SCTP and SASP are youth development programs in which adult coaches and other volunteers use shooting sports to teach and to demonstrate sportsmanship, responsibility, honesty, ethics, integrity, teamwork, and other positive life skills. SCTP was developed as a program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) until the SSSF was created in 2007 to operate the SCTP. In 2012, SSSF created the SASP and became the managing foundation of both programs. For more information about SSSF, visit www.sssfonline.org.  

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