Special thanks to Wendy LaFever, editor of InSights magazine, for her hard work and determination in getting the following report to NRAblog from Kentucky, where she is observing the International BB Gun Championship Match:

With 42 teams coming from 17 states, this year's International BB Gun Championship Match is one of the largest IBBGCM matches in the last 13 years. This surge in participation is, no doubt, in part due to Daisy's visionary new program that offers $1,000 to each team that participates. According to Susan Johnston, Daisy's marketing guru, this push has enabled teams that might otherwise have been sidelined by strained budgets and a faltering economy.

It's crucial that this championship continues to attract the support and participation it's getting. Bill Wayda, Chief Range Officer at IBBGCM opines, "These are the grass roots, this is where young shooters get started to go on through the collegiate ranks...and maybe even on to the Olympics."

IBBGCM is all about encouraging the newest and youngest shooters as they begin competing. No participant can compete in two consecutive years, a measure designed to keep the playing field open--and this year, it's anyone's game. There's a unique level of one-on-one work with coaches and shooters. "You won't see this kind of coach involvement in most competitions," advised NRA's own HQ Moody. "This competition is one-of-a-kind."

Shooting will be taking place in Western Kentucky University's Diddle Arena, and if the weather for today's registration and open-practice activities is any indication, IBBGCM is off to a great start. Clear, sunny skies and pleasant 80-degree temps welcomed the participants, some coming from as far away as Oregon. Driving in, I noted an SUV full to the rafters with equipment and cheering kids. Painted on the windows, it read: "Bowling Green or Bust!"

Thanks Wendy! We look forward to hearing more and seeing your photos. Look here for more information on the 2009 International BB Gun Championship Match.