March 09, 2009

Easton Foundation supports the New USA Archery Strategic Direction to the Tune of $400,000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/9/09

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - The Easton Foundation has committed an additional $400,000 in funding, above the $307,000 already provided to USA Archery, to ensure the newly outlined strategic plan put forth by CEO Denise Parker has sufficient financial funding to be effective.

"After reviewing the strategic initiatives CEO Parker presented to the Board we felt that our Foundation goals and plans matched up very closely with what she is trying to accomplish," says Easton Foundation board member Erik Watts. "Because the objectives of both organizations align so well, we feel it will be much more effective to support and invest in the USAA plan than to duplicate these same initiatives on our own."

The $400,000 is dedicated funding, which means it can only be used in the areas approved by the Easton Foundation.  Areas that will receive funding include:

• International Team Travel - Fully funded compound and recurve teams will be sent to the Outdoor World Championship in Ulsan, Korea and the Youth World Championship in Ogden, Utah. Partial funding will be provided for a team to attend the World Cup in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and a COPARCO event for juniors.
• JOAD - Revamping of JOAD materials, including the creation of an outreach program to better educate NASP kids, parents and teachers on how to setup and start a JOAD club. Funding will also be used to provide instructors for regional JOAD camps.
• Resident Athlete and Jr. Dream Team - Funding was provided to support the Resident Athlete and Jr. Dream Team travel and training
• Coach Training - Grants will be available to help coaches attend Community and Regional Coach Courses.
• CHAMPS - Funding was provided to create a revamped CHAMPS program, which will serve as an online training and education program.
• College Archery- Funds to develop new CAP materials and provide director travel support.

"We are thrilled with the support from the foundation," claims CEO Parker. "Much of this funding will go directly to athlete travel support which will be a welcome relief to many of our athletes' families during this difficult economic climate. The revamping of JOAD and CAP programs and material, investment in coach certification training and development funding for online training are absolutely key for the future of the organization. We are grateful to the foundation and believe we will be able to make substantial progress in revamping the organization."

"This is an example of the transparent direction we intend to go in the future. We must share our vision with key sponsors and invite them to partner with us in growing archery and developing athletes" said board chair Bill Corbin, " on behalf of our members and athletes, we are extremely grateful for this support from the Easton Foundation."

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