The opening ceremonies for Grand American week were held at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC) Monday night.
Sparta Mayor Rob Link welcomed all visitors and participants to the event. He mentioned the music entertainment the city is providing this week.
“Tell us what you like to see here,” Link told the shooters. “If we’re not doing what you like, get that word out.”
During the ceremonies, several awards were handed out by the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) which hosts the event.
Again this year, the WSRC was awarded top honors for throwing the most targets during the target year–from Grand American to Grand American.
According to Chris Hespen, the WSRC trap, skeet and archery manager, the shooting complex threw 4.5 million registered targets during the past year.
Last year, the WSRC received a similar award when it threw 3,748,950 targets.
Also during the ceremonies, ATA President Gary Sharrod of Lubbock, Texas said the  Academics Integrity Marksmanship (AIM) program for youngsters hosted 1,150 shooters during Grand preliminary week.