Top Shot favorite stops by Brownells/NRA luncheon to meet young shooters

Las Vegas, Nevada - Gabriela “Gabby” Franco has been in high demand as of late. Not only is she a sought after NRA Certified Instructor in the Miami area, but she's also making personal appearances, serving as pistol instructor for local police departments and competing in a variety of tournaments. Probably not what she was expecting after finishing in the top six of History Channel's Top Shot competition … probably a lot more.

That is why we were so grateful to have her speak at the 2013 Brownells/NRA Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors luncheon at this year's SHOT Show. With parents, chaperons and industry representatives gathered round, Gabby took to the podium and explained how shooting helped focus the truly important aspects of life.

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Recognized for exemplary work with NRA to introducing youth to the shooting sports

Las Vegas, Nevada - Yesterday during the 2013 SHOT Show our very own National Youth Programs Coordinator, Claudia Olsen, received the prestigious Crosman Champions of Youth Marksmanship Award for her nationwide work of fostering the shooting sports lifestyle in our next generation.

"It's a big honor to even be considered for the award, let alone receive it." Olsen said. "It feels great to know that my work makes the shooting sports exciting to our next generation and encourages youngsters them to get out and try it."

Officially, the Crosman Champions of Youth Marksmanship Award recognizes:

“An individual or individuals whose commitment to excellence in youth shooter education and dedication to a lifetime of safe shooting has enhanced the future of the sport.”

Olsen was first introduced to the world of shooting in when her father was stationed in Germany. Her mother, a Bavarian airgun champion, taught Claudia the ins and outs of airgunning. After having children of her own, the family became involved in the Virginia 4H shooting program as she became an instructor in rifle, shotgun and muzzle loader. After joining the NRA's Youth Programs Department in 2008, Olsen creates teaching materials and organizes countless shooting events that reach upwards of 750,000 youngsters annually.

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Brownells CEO opens Youth Ambassador lunch, Top Shot Franco finishes

Las Vegas, Nevada - A few perks come along with being CEO of one of America's top firearm accessories and supplies. Sure, there are the long hours, endless board meetings and the constant pressure to hit financial targets and goals. But on the other side, there's the opportunity to make an impression with the future of America's shooting sports.

For Pete Brownell, that's made possible by sponsoring the NRA's Youth Shooting Sports Ambassador's Program.

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NRA brings 140 years of competitive shooting experience to partner up with the National High School Rodeo Association

The National High School Rodeo Association has been working hand in hand with the National Rifle Association for years now. A good example is the Brownells/NRA Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors — a program that offers participants a wide array of benefits including travel opportunities and the chance to meet national shooting celebrities.

But the relationship runs deeper than that. Combining their participants love of rodeo and the shooting sports, these two organizations have created the fastest growing youth program at the NRA.

Once a year, a collective group of elite youths gather for the National High School Rodeo Association around the NHSRA (NHSRA) Finals. Having been labeled as one of the fastest growing youth organizations is notorious for providing non-stop action packed events for any cowboy enthusiast.

Since evolving from an idea started over 60 years ago by Claude Mullins, a native Texan educator who was a big fan of the rodeo sport, the NHSRA has drawn the attention of over 10,500 students.

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2013 Youth Ambassadors get a little bigger as a Texan joins the ranks

Fairfax, Virginia - Last week we told you there would soon be a new member of the 2013 Brownells/NRA National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors. Today, 19 year old Dillon Ward from Nacogdoches, Texas steps in as the new NRA representative to next year's class.

Together, the Youth Ambassadors will represent their organizations' involvement in the shooting sports by engaging with industry leaders at national events including SHOT Show and the NRA Annual Meetings.

Being a member of the program isn't without its benefits for the kids themselves. Over the course of the year they will meet shooting sports celebrities and receive various scholarships to help their continued learning and work to expand the shooting sports.

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The 2013 Brownells/NRA National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors get a new addition

Fairfax, Virginia - We announced the selection of six new Brownells/NRA National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors for 2013 a month ago. These shooting sports representatives were chosen from NRA Youth Cooperative Organizations because of their ability to make a difference in their communities.

These ambassadors represent the Boy Scouts of America, the National High School Rodeo Association, USA Shooting, the Royal Rangers, BSA Venturing and the NRA. Unfortunately, we discovered that this year's chosen NRA representative would be unable to join his fellow Ambassadors during their official appearances — a replacement needed to be found. We hope to have the details on that replacement sometime next week.

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Who will help the NRA promote the shooting sports this year?

The selections have been finalized and the list has been released. We now have your Brownells/NRA National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors for this next year.

These six young supporters of the shooting sports truly make a difference in their community, and that's why they were chosen. They come from NRA Youth Cooperative Organizations all over the country, looking to involve themselves in the preservation of the shooting sports.

The Youth Ambassadors won't make their debut until the 2012 SHOT Show in Las Vegas this January, but we'll be bringing you their stories leading up to the expo. If you miss them in Vegas, they'll also make appearances at the NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits in Houston, Texas next spring.

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Next year's ambassadors to the shooting sports almost finalized

Our Youth Programs Department is about to announce the 2013 Brownells/NRA National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors. These six young men and women are chosen from members of various NRA Youth Cooperative Organizations for their excellence in academics, involvement within their community, and participation in the shooting sports.

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Brownells/NRA Youth Shooting Sports Ambassador Jesse Rogers recently ran into Wyoming Field Rep Dave Manzer at the National High School Rodeo Championships in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Also making an appearance at the championships was the Friends of NRA TV crew to film an episode for the upcoming third season.

Here's what Jesse wrote about his experience.

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