McHenry Times

Rep. Joe Sosnowski shared news of a sport shooting event in Sparta, saying, "If you're downstate between now and August 10th be sure to check out the Amateur Trapshooting Association’s Grand American Trapshooting Championships take place at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC) in Sparta, IL!" He made the statement in an Aug. 2 Facebook post.

"Did you know one of the premier events in shooting sports is held in Illinois," said Sosnowski, State Representative, according to Facebook. "If you're downstate between now and August 10th be sure to check out the Amateur Trapshooting Association's Grand American Trapshooting Championships take place at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC) in Sparta, IL!"

In his Facebook post, Sosnowski shared a link to a report from the Southern Illinoisan that focused on the 2024 ATA Grand American competition at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex. The event started on July 31 and will wrap up on Aug. 10, with the Amateur Trapshooting Association’s Grand American Trapshooting Championship. Since 2006, some of the country’s best trapshooters have gathered at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC) in Sparta to compete in more than 20 events. The Southern Illinoisan reported that the event has an estimated $25 million to $30 million economic impact annually.

Screenshot of Rep. Joe Sosnowski's Aug. 2 Facebook post | Rep. Joe Sosnowski's Facebook page

The WSRC is a complex consisting of 1,600 acres, with 120 trap houses over 3.5 miles, 24 combination trap and skeet fields, and cowboy action shooting. There’s also opportunity for rifle or pistol shooting, according to the WRSC website. There are also more than 1,000 campsites, fishing, a meeting and event space, and a full-service restaurant. The WRSC is operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) dates back to 1900 with the creation of the American Trapshooting Association, with the name change to the Amateur Trapshooting Association in 1923. ATA members participate in more than 6,000 registered tournaments and can shoot at more than 9,000 affiliated clubs. There are five zones and the Board of Directors features a representative from each zone, according to the ATA’s "About" page on its website.

Sosnowski has represented the people of Illinois since he was elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 2010. He now represents the 69th District. His political career began with a stint on the DeKalb City Council before he moved to Rockford and was elected to serve as First Ward Alderman from 2005-2010. He is a graduate of Northern Illinois University, according to his official biography.