SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The Orvis Shooting Grounds at Pursell Farms hosted the first annual ARC Clay Shooting tournament on Friday.
Organized by the South Talladega county chapter of the ARC, which is a nonprofit group that helps individuals with disabilities, the first ever ARC Clay Shooting tournament took place Friday morning. With 53 shooters participating, the inaugural event was a success according to ARC Executive Director Leah Allen.
All proceeds from fees paid by the participants go directly to ARC and helping care for their disabled members by teaching them how to live independently.
“After they graduate high school, it’s hard to find resources to help those who have disabilities, “said Allen. “In order for them to not just sit at home and collect a paycheck, we are here as a center to help them.”
There were prizes available to the overall winners as well as categories for hitting the most “colored birds” and hitting the “impossible shot.” The overall winning team received a free extra round at Orvis Grounds.
First place was earned by the Chip Masters, a four-man group consisting of Jeff Holcomb, Jason Watkins, Dwytte Spivey, and Steve Argo. The group have competed together and won multiple events with three of the four having more than a decade of experience in clay shooting. Watkins started just two years ago.
The quartet was appreciative of the opportunity to compete and had high praise for ARC and what its staff does.
“It means a lot,” said Holcomb “It takes a special person to be able to teach these people. They need it, and we overlook them a lot of times. We are proud to donate to something like this.”
