FAIRFAX, Va. — Winchester Ammunition has made a groundbreaking $500,000 pledge to permanently endow NRA’s Marksmanship Qualification Program. The gift allows Winchester to become the exclusive, permanent sponsor of the program, which will now be formally known as the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program.
"Winchester is one of the oldest and most respected names in the hunting and shooting industry, and we are honored by this expanded and permanent partnership in support of our flagship program," commented NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre. "Winchester’s decision to endow the program reflects not only its commitment to manufacturing quality products, but to step up and help ensure that Americans have continued opportunities to enjoy shooting and exercise their Second Amendment rights. The potential impact this gift will have on participation in hunting and the shooting sports is virtually unlimited. We cannot thank the company’s leadership enough for their generosity and enormous commitment to our mission."
Winchester and NRA were founded within a few years of each other -- 1866 and 1871, respectively. Both groups have been national leaders of youth shooting education programs for generations. The original NRA Marksmanship Qualification program is actually based on part on a similar program begun by Winchester in 1918, known as the Winchester Junior Rifle Corps. Winchester transferred this visionary program to the NRA in 1926, where it was merged with its existing youth training offerings.
Marksmanship Qualification Program Discipline Patches Many shooting coaches and hunter education instructors consider Marksmanship Qualification an indispensable way to encourage young people, develop their shooting skills, and grow their interest in the shooting sports. The program provides attractive pins, patches, and certificates to participants as they achieve progressively higher shooting standards. More than 200,000 such awards were distributed in 2006 alone, and 1,700 shooters reached the program’s highest level, "Distinguished Expert." Although originally designed specifically for youngsters, the program has grown over the years to reach beginning adult shooters and hunters as well. Since qualification awards can be obtained in 13 different shooting disciplines, participants need a wide variety of ammunition, making Winchester a natural fit as a partner.
Commenting on the gift, Winchester Ammunition President Dick Hammett said, "Winchester and NRA cooperated on this program almost a century ago, and the need for us to cooperate again is stronger than ever. By supporting the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program, we are giving increasing numbers of American citizens, young and old, the chance to explore the profound benefits that hunting and the shooting sports have to offer. We are proud to help accomplish this mission."
A formal check presentation will be made at the NRA Board of Directors’ meeting, to be held in conjunction with the NRA Annual Meetings in St. Louis, April 12-15.
