CMP to Participate in Second Annual Ohio Day at the Range
September 4, 2015
By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer
PORT CLINTON, Ohio – The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is proud to be a part of “Ohio Day at the Range & Outdoor Adventure Fair” for the second year on Sept. 12, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Camp Perry. The event welcomes people with disabilities and their families to participate in educational, hands-on opportunities in order to bring an awareness to the sorts of activities Northwest Ohio can offer – along with allowing them to see all of the things they can do together as a family.
Last year, over 400 individuals and families, as well as over 100 volunteers and countless donations from area businesses and organizations, made the first annual Ohio Day at the Range an overwhelming success. The stories of inspiration were prevalent throughout the day around Camp Perry, as those with mental and physical disabilities walked, wheeled and smiled beside one another through a variety of outdoor activities.
During this year’s event, the CMP will again open the doors of its world-class Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center air gun range to those who have always wanted to try shooting but have never had the opportunity. Participants will be given lightweight, easy-to-use air guns of their choice, with help from trained CMP staff. A variety of apparatuses can be provided for participants who may have unique needs.
Those who choose to take part in the CMP portion of Ohio Day at the Range will be given the rare opportunity to shoot in the same range as past Olympians and national record holders while also creating unbelievable memories that will last a lifetime. Air gun is a fun and safe sport that can accommodate all ages.
The “Ohio Day at the Range & Outdoor Adventure Fair” is a wonderful chance for people living with disabilities to experience many of the recreation opportunities available to them. Events include fishing, golfing, archery, Bocci and crafts for all participants. There are also representatives from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the National Wildlife Refuge Association available to answer questions about accessible opportunities they provide.
Admission to the event is FREE to all people with disabilities, their families, friends and caregivers, and includes a lunch: hotdogs, chips and ice cold bottled water.
Should you wish to make a weekend of it, area organizations have offered even more recreational opportunities, such as Scuba Diving lessons at a local pool and archery targets for additional shooting, courtesy of East Harbor State Park. A local charter boat will provide discounted fishing charters, along with other area attractions that will present discounts for participants and guests attending the event.
Coordinators are always looking for vendors from Ohio and surrounding states who offer accessible/inclusive outdoor opportunities or equipment, so if you think your organization could provide an even broader experience for participants of Day at the Range, call 877-734-0330. There is no fee to be a vendor.
Volunteers to help man registration, assist at the activities or with food prep, etc., are also welcome.
Come join the fun! Watch for the bright orange signs!
This program is supported financially in part by the Ottawa County Community Foundation and in part by Lake Erie Shores and Islands.
Sponsored by The Ohio Day at the Range Committee, this project is hosted by:
The Ability Center
Black Swamp Bird Observatory
Civilian Marksmanship Program – Port Clinton
Columbia Gas
Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities
New Direction Health and Wellness
Oak Harbor Conservation Club
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Ottawa County 4-H
Ottawa County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Ottawa County Veterans Services
Ottawa County Visitors Bureau/Lake Erie Shores and Islands Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce
Wood County 4-H
For questions, please contact Tory Thompson, tthompson@abilitycenter.org,
or Carrie Allred callred@ocbdd.org.