________________ Contact: Jamie Jeffers Phone: 618-449-2224 x. 136 1105 East Broadway Email: jjeffers@shootata.com Sparta, IL 62286 Date: July 30, 2020 _____________________________________________________________________________ Missouri Governor Michael L. Parson to Attend Grand American The 121st Grand American World Trapshooting Championships will be held August 5-15, 2020, at the Missouri Trapshooters Association in Linn Creek, MO. The Amateur Trapshooting Association is honored to announce the attendance of Missouri’s Governor, Michael L. Parson, at the 121st Grand American Opening Ceremonies on Monday, August 10, 2020. Governor Parson will be joined by his wife, Teresa, Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer with wife Jackie, Senator Justin Brown, and State Representative Suzie Pollock. Opening Ceremonies will begin with the Camden County Honor Guard presenting the American Flag followed by an introduction of the Amateur Trapshooting Association’s Executive Committee, Delegates, Past Presidents and Central Handicap Committee. Succeeding introductions, some of the best shooters in the ATA come together to compete in the Blue vs Gray Shootout. The Blue vs Gray Shootout is an ongoing tradition to kick of the Grand American. To complete Opening Ceremonies, the night will end with a spectacular fireworks display presented by White Flyer. Opening Ceremonies are free and open to the public! All are welcome to join in the festivities! About ATA - The ATA serves as the faithful protector of trapshooting and its mission is to promote and oversee the sport throughout the world. Established in 1899, the ATA is the oldest and the largest clay target shooting organization in the world. This non-profit organization governs the sport's rules and regulations. In addition, the ATA actively seeks ways to further enhance the sport and increase participation. Annually, ATA members participate in 6,000 plus registered tournaments and shoot at more than 60 million targets. The ATA encompasses an official youth program, as well. AIM, representing Academic, Integrity, and Marksmanship, serves to provide a safe and positive experience with firearms and registered trapshooting for youth members.
I will not be in attendance, but am willing to bet that no one takes a knee when the flag is presented and "THE SONG" is sung. I commend the governor and elected officials for attending. I wish for good shooting and a good safe time for those who attend.
Anyone in our sport who would take a knee when the flag is raised, and song is sung, would probably be shamed into leaving the grounds. I don't believe there are any who would tolerate such a move at any shoot.
And to think, they are going into an arena knowing there are thousands of guns, and they feel safe. DaveB
I got a feeling if anyone takes knee some good ol' boys will slap the taste out of their mouth, rightfully so ... WPT ... (YAC) ...
I haven’t really kept up so please excuse any ignorance im my statement but I can’t understand why ATA went to Illinois with the Grand. Missouri is more gun friendly obviously. I heard stories about Illinois law enforcement descending all over Sparta at our first event there. Now we have to move the event because of Covid-19 in Illinois? I’m convinced that the decision was entirely political. Southern Illinois is not a hot spot to my knowledge.