MARION, Ill.— Thanks to a grant from the National Rifle Association (NRA) Foundation, Williamson County 4-H shooting sports will expand their air rifle and pistol programs with new equipment. The funds will provide youth with the opportunity to safely learn about shooting sports with quality materials. Williamson County 4-H Extension Program Coordinator Ramona Girtman expressed appreciation for the grant, totaling $6,800.

"Without the support of the NRA Foundation, youth would have to pay a supply fee. Through this gift, we can reduce barriers to youth learning about the sport through hands-on experience," said Girtman.

Through the 4-H shooting sports program, youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, principles of hunting, and much more. 4-H shooting sports clubs are founded on the principles of positive youth development. The program's activities and the support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, and conservation ethics.

To learn more about the program or to join Williamson County 4-H, contact Ramona Girtman at (618) 993-3304 or girtman@illinois.edu.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, please contact Ramona Girtman at girtman@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.

WRITER: Heather Willis, marketing and communications coordinator, hdwillis@illinois.edu, (618) 357-2126

SOURCE: Ramona Girtman, 4-H youth development program coordinator, girtman@illinois.edu, (618) 993-3304                                                               

About 4-H: Illinois 4-H helps youth learn skills for living. University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H programs in every county in Illinois. Illinois 4-H impacts the lives of 200,000 youth each year through sustained learning clubs and groups and short-term programming.

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