IDNR welcomes Amateur Trapshooting Association to Sparta
By Ray Popkess
Competitors from all corners of the Earth have gathered in Southern Illinois for the 126th consecutive Grand American World Trapshooting Competition.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) 1,600-acre World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta has hosted the Grand American since 2006.
The largest and oldest shooting event of its kind, the event features more than 20 events and attracts more than 5,000 competitors and spectators from across the globe annually. Competitors span from New Zealand, Brazil, all Canadian provinces and every U.S. state excluding Alaska.
The Grand has an estimated economic impact of $25 million to $30 million annually in Southern Illinois.
“We’re thrilled to welcome competitors, spectators, vendors and sponsors for the Grand American once again at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “Hosting the Grand brings an economic boost to the region, increases exposure to trapshooting and offers a great experience for fans of the sport.”
The first ever Grand American competition used live pigeons in 1893, until the first targets were used in 1900.
