National 4-H Shooting Sports Championship kicks off with opening ceremony in Grand Island
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- The National 4-H Shooting Sports Championship has begun in Grand Island.
In its 24th year, and 13th year in Grand Island, the six-day event officially started with the opening ceremony at the Heartland Events Center, Monday night.
Match Director Steve Pritchard said it's an exciting event.
“I love this event. It’s just neat to hear the people and see some family, basically it’s kind of like a big family reunion," he said. "Our core crew, I told them this yesterday when we got crew meetings than when I walked into a room it was just a buzz of folks, they haven’t seen each other for about a year."
This year, the event broke a record with 42 states being represented and 719 competitors.
Pritchard said organizers work to make all of the competitions safe.
“Hopefully everybody has some fun, is a safe event," he said. "We don’t have any incidents along the way because I’m looking out for the safety of all the participants as well as coaches and spectators."
Competitions will take place at the Pinnacle Bank Expo and at the Heartland Public Shooting Park.
The events are open to the public.