NEWBERRY, Fla. –-(Ammoland.com)- Easton Newberry Sports Complex, a shared-use facility that combines the Easton Foundation Archery Center with the City of Newberry multiuse Recreation Department, has been selected by the United States Olympic Committee as a Community Olympic Development Program.
Easton Newberry Sports Complex is one of only 10 programs nationwide to receive this designation by the USOC for its ability to train coaches and athletes, and provide world-class venues in the sport of archery. This is the Easton Foundations’ first operating center to be awarded this designation.
“Receiving the designation as a USOC Community Olympic Development Program is an important step for the Easton Newberry Sports Complex, the Easton Foundations and the city of Newberry toward our missions of promoting the sport of archery and the city of Newberry as a sports destination,” said Greg Easton, president of the Easton Foundations.
“We look forward to working closely with the USOC and the city of Newberry to promote archery, the city of Newberry and the Olympic spirit.”
Based in Newberry, Fla., the organization is used by several U.S. Junior Olympic Archery Development clubs. Additionally, it hosts the annual Gator Cup, which USA Archery selected as a U.S. Archery Team qualifier series event.
The CODP will continue to serve as a regional archery center for all skill levels, teaching archers the National Training System of USA Archery and giving all interested archers opportunities for advancement. With 100 acres of multipurpose facilities – including dedicated areas for archery training and events – the organization currently reaches 6,200 people each year. The organization will also continue to conduct its mobile van program to promote archery throughout the surrounding communities. Visit EastonNewberrySportsComplex.com for program details.
“The USOC is thrilled to announce Easton Newberry Sport Complex as its newest Community Olympic Development Program,” said Alicia McConnell, USOC director of training sites and community partnerships. “Easton Newberry’s commitment to athlete development and youth outreach is exactly what we look for when developing partnerships to enhance the Olympic and Paralympic movements.”
“This is great news for the sport of archery given the sport’s tremendous growth over the past year,” said USA Archery CEO Denise Parker. “With a CODP designation, the Easton Newberry Sports Complex can be a major force in helping USA Archery grow the sport through events and outreach programming.”
The goal of the Easton Foundations is to promote and maintain the viability of archery by growing the sport as a mainstream activity at the state, regional and national levels. By developing grassroots programs in communities and schools, and supporting college and university programs, the foundation will help inspire the next generation of Olympic hopefuls.
About the Easton Foundations:
The Easton Foundations’ aim is to keep archery a viable part of the sporting culture in communities across the United States. Founded during the 1982 Olympics by Jim Easton, the founder and former CEO of Easton Sports, Inc, the Foundation actively works to introduce the Olympic sport of archery to communities across the country. It supports the training of aspiring archers, trainers, coaches, and administrators and building of indoor archery facilities at city parks, schools, universities and sports complexes.
The Easton Foundations encourages and engages youth to participate and develop skills in the sports of archery, baseball, softball, ice hockey, and cycling. It contributes to selected 501(c)(3) charitable groups and universities that share its vision of excellence and innovation in sports programs, business and engineering education, and medical research