By JULIA ROBERTS GOAD

Staff Writer

So want to get involved with a fun sport? Join the 4-H Shooting Sports Team!

Archery, trap/shotgun and air pistol are the three disciplines that will be featured during this fun club. sign-ups will be April 16 and again April 26 at the Pike County Extension Office located at 148 Trivette Drive in Pikeville. The meetings will begin at 6 p.m. and a parent or legal guardian is required to be at this informational meeting.

The shooting sports coaches have been trained through the University of Kentucky 4-H Program. Those coaches are Stephanie Abshire, Jerry Ray, Ray and Emma Akers as well as 4-H Program Assistant, Carol Thompson. The program teaches leadership and responsibility while offering fun activities.

In 2011, the Pike County 4-H Shooting Aces competed in meets in Bracken County and at the State Event in Nicholas County.

“Youth development is the number one goal of the 4-H Shooting Sports Program,” said Novella B. Froman, Pike County Extension 4-H Agent. “This program provides an outstanding way of providing human growth and development. The program has the goal of developing leadership in youth as well as adults. The introduction to the safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment is a valuable life skill.”

After sign-ups, the 4-H Club will meet at the gun range near the airport. For more information, call the UK Extension Office at 606-432-2534 or email nfroman@uky.edu.