With these funds I will attend a hands-on course is designed specifically for coaches to learn about adaptive archery. This course will be led by MJ Rogers, the US Paralympic Coach and Cindy Poorman, Physical Therapist & USA Para Archery Classifier. Information covered in this training includes instructor requirements and archer evaluations, disability classification, logging challenges and action planning, class and equipment management, implementation strategies, working with youth, adults and veterans, and understanding the Paralympic path.

There is not currently anyone coaching archery students in Austin who has a background in para archery. As the Austin archery community grows,ensuring that all students, including those with disabilities, have equitable access to instruction is becoming increasingly important. Archery is currently being taught in many schools in Austin from elementary through high school. Archery is one of the most adaptive sports but coaches need the tools effectively support diverse learners.

Unfortunately, specialized training in para archery is extremely rare. In my seven years as a coach, this is the first opportunity of its kind that has been available and it may not come around again soon.

With your support, I will attend this specialized training and bring those skills back to our community. Not only will this enhance the experience for the students I directly coach, but I will also share these insights with other area coaches—multiplying the impact and helping to build a more inclusive archery community throughout Austin.

Back Up Plan