Oak Harbor’s John Hellmann was recently named North Whidbey Sportsmen’s Association’s 2013 Sportsman of the Year.

President Mike Schmit said, “John Hellmann truly demonstrates the values and character traits that make up this award. We are proud to add him to our list of awardees. He consistently demonstrates leadership, honesty and respect.”

Hellmann, a NWSA member since 2001 and current vice-president, organized the training of NWSA instructors to become NRA Certified. Since September of 2012, the NRA certified instructors at NWSA have taught monthly classes on home firearms safety and basic pistol shooting.

Hellmann’s interest in shooting began while in the Navy, and he eventually became a member of the 1984 Atlantic Fleet pistol team.

Retiring from the Navy in 1993, Hellmann pursued his love of the shooting sports by becoming an NRA certified instructor as well as a range safety officer.

North Whidbey Sportsmen’s Association, founded in 1933, is an organization of men and women who support, encourage and engage in the responsible use of the outdoors. Those uses included hunting, fishing and the shooting sports: archery, shotgun, rifle and pistol.

In addition to their NRA classes, the club hosts regularly scheduled trap shoots and IDPA pistol matches. More information about the organization can be found at www.northwhidbeysportsmen.org.