Jaime Santiago, executive director and founder of Restart Training Center Ministry (RTCM), first heard of Matt Stutzman from Matt's cousin, Steve Stutzman. "(Steve) said, 'Maybe you should have my cousin who is a professional archer (speak at your sportsman banquet). He was born without arms.'" Santiago was stunned. "I was like, 'What?'" recalled Santiago. Now, having heard Matt speak at a previous RTCM banquet, Santiago has invited the award-winning archer back for the 2021 events.

Matt, who is a Guinness World Record holder, Team USA Paralympian, and Paralympic Silver medalist, will speak at the RTCM sportsman banquets at the PA Auction Center, 1141 Wea Wit St., East Earl, on Tuesday, March 23, and Wednesday, March 24. Each night, doors will open at 5 p.m., and the buffet-style meal, which will be catered by Shady Maple, will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Matt's birth parents were overwhelmed by his disability, but adoptive parents Leon and Jean Stutzman embraced those challenges, guiding him to overcome obstacles with a "can do" attitude that encouraged Matt to try anything he wanted to do. His interest in archery was sparked by his desire to hunt with his father, not knowing the sport would become his life's passion. Matt went on to win a medal at the 2012 Paralympics in London and to take part in the 2016 games as well as the 2017 U.S. Outdoor Target Nationals against an able-bodied field of competitors.

In addition to Matt's talk, the event will include auction items going up for bids, and a Chinese auction will also be held. According to Santiago, up to $20,000 worth of door prizes will be given away, and there will be grand prizes for both adults and children each evening. Grand prizes will be Mathews bows and children's Wicked Ridge Rampage 360 crossbows. Other prizes and auction items will include a Ten Point Vapor RS470 Crossbow, a Ravin R29X crossbow, a muzzle loader, and a 6-foot-by-6-foot tower blind.

Now in its sixth year of ministry, RTCM strives to help men who have been traumatized and who have turned to abusing chemicals or developed other kinds of addictions. The organization currently serves nine students with classes in life, social, and spiritual development. Christian and clinical counseling, weekly Bible studies, and Celebrate Recovery meetings are part of the structured and consistent environment the program provides. "We take (students) out for vocational training," said Santiago. The training teaches the student a skill and gives him a reference or an opportunity to become a full-time employee. Santiago reported that two students are currently earning their high school equivalency certificates, and two more are studying ministry at Lancaster Bible College.

Tickets are required for individuals to attend the banquet. Seating is limited. Tickets purchased by Saturday, March 6, will be discounted. Those who would like to register to attend the banquet may call 717-304-3291 or email officemanager@restartministry.org. A freewill offering will be received at the event. Readers who would like to learn more about RTCM may visit http://www.restartministry.org.