NRA Foundation awards $2.3K to Ridgeland rifle program

The NRA Foundation has awarded the Ridgeland High School Rifle Team a grant of an Anschutz 9015 Precision Air Rifle and 10,000 pellets, totaling $2,300.

“We are very excited about receiving this much needed air rifle and ammunition,” said Ridgeland coach Carl Gentry, “and pleased that the NRA is making an investment in our community. As we continue to expand our rifle program, and reach more members of our community, this rifle and ammo comes at the perfect time.

“Ridgeland has just completed their sixth season competing at the Georgia High School Association sport level where they were ranked runners-up in Area 10, our highest finish yet.”

Air rifle marksmanship may well be the safest of all youth sports. The injury rate for this sport is no greater than 0.0017 per athlete exposure per year. This ranks far below the injury rates for all other youth sports where statistics are kept.

Air rifle marksmanship is extraordinarily safe because rigorous safety rules and training are provided for all leaders and participants from the very first day they join a program. The opportunity to use firearms for sports in a responsible and safe manner, among friends, greatly benefits the members of the Ridgeland Rifle Team.

“We are thankful for the continued support of the NRA Foundation,” said Gentry, “Their generosity will help secure the future of youth shooting sports here at Ridgeland and across Georgia.”