Week 1- Let's get this thing rollin'

State Junior Olympic Match Dates Set

All Junior Olympic state matches have now been selected! A complete list is available at http://www.usashooting.org/. Don’t see a match in your state? No need to worry. You can travel to a nearby out-of-state match and compete as a non-resident. Or if you know of a local USA Shooting club in your area, encourage them to contact us about hosting a Junior Olympic match. We will sanction additional matches in states that do not already have a Junior Olympic sponsor.

A note to all selected state hosts- participant pins and medals have been mailed out. If you have not submitted your participant pin request form yet, please do! We will send pins out to you as soon as we receive your request. You can send requests to Nicole.levine@usashooting.org. If there is more than one host in your state, the medals were sent to your state coordinator. Please reach out to them for details.

The Junior Olympic season opens October 31, 2009. Good luck with your matches, shoot well, and happy Halloween!


JO Fundraising!!!

Did you know that shooting is the second most expensive event in the Olympics besides Equestrian? It not only does it take time and dedication to compete in this sport, but it can be expensive. Please use this blog as a tool to encourage junior shooters to get out in the community, promote the sport and hopefully make some extra cash for the shooting fund.

The Basics:

1) Before you do anything, be sure to set yourself a goal. Once that is determined, it will be a lot easier to tell people what you are doing.

2) Come up with some creative ideas (we will help with these too!)

3) Look for ideas that you might be able to do around holidays like Halloween, or Christmas.

4) Reach out to your family and friends first, word of mouth should keep your fundraising efforts going.

5) Advertise!

6) Always keep your parents in the loop and ask for permission before you start your fundraising efforts.

7) Avoid anything that may require going door-to-door.

8) Remember to always say thank you, even to those who may not want to donate to your cause.

9) HAVE FUN!!!

Idea of the Week: cell phone recycling
Project length: ongoing

Think about all of the cell phones that people hang on to and don’t use. Most Americans upgrade their cell phone every 1.5 to 2 years and end up stashing the old phone in the bottom of a drawer to collect dust or just throw them out. Well did you know there are companies that will pay you to send them old cell phones? I recently sold my old Motorola PEBL for $22, and they even paid for the shipping. I have recommended two websites below that are very easy to use, although there are many out there. I would suggest making some adverting (posters, fliers, e-mails, texts) for your project, letting people know what this is for and how they can contact you. You might also be able to pair up with a local store or school that will collect the phones for you or will provide a drop off box at their location. I will tell you that payment takes about 4-6 weeks once you have mailed off the phones, so plan accordingly to reach your goal on time.

This idea will help you save the environment, by keeping cell phones out of landfills and back in the hands of people who can use them. Not only will you be feeling good about your efforts, it should put some good old fashion cash in your pocket. Try it out and let us know your thoughts!

http://www.gazelle.com/recycle-and-sell-cell-phones?_gzl=1&gclid=CIKqnbC6250CFeFM5QodwVaMrQ

http://www.casholdphone.com/?gclid=CLnT-8q8250CFdZM5QodIkEgyA

Welcome to the Batcave!

USA Shooting would like to welcome everyone to our Junior Olympic blog. This is a place where athletes, coaches, clubs and parents can be informed about what is going on each week as we roll into State Junior Olympic (rifle/pistol) season. Each Monday we will post a new blog providing updates on the program, upcoming State Junior Olympic matches and answer your questions. We will also provide creative ideas on how to raise money to help fund an athlete to the National Junior Olympics in Colorado Springs, CO April 8-26, 2010.

We will be looking for feedback, questions and comments as we launch this new initiative. We want this to work for you! So please do not hesitate to let us know your ideas and what information or topics you would like to hear about.