NRA’s Disabled Shooting Manager Vanessa Warner sent us an update on her recent activity in Tennessee.
Comparatively speaking, September was a quiet month. My travel was limited to Memphis, TN, for the Paralyzed Veterans of America’s 13th Trapshooting Circuit Season finale on September 18 and 19. While there, I also conducted PVA’s first Air Rifle Shooting Clinic and Match on September 20. The clinic and match were sponsored by U.S. Paralympics.
Although most competitors managed to stay dry, there were a number who ended up on the line during the worst of Friday's storms. The shoot was delayed due to lightning, but as soon as the electrical activity stopped, they headed back out to the line.
The trap matches were held at the Memphis Sport Shooting Association. Each competitor shot 100 singles plus 100 doubles on Friday. Competitors shot their handicap on Saturday, which as I explained to a spectator, had nothing to do with their disability. A shooter’s handicap is based on their shooting ability. The better a competitor, the further the distance he or she shoots.
The Air Rifle Shooting Clinic was held Sunday, September 20, in the Memphis Marriott's ballroom. We had 12 participants -- perfect because we had 6 Air Rifles provided by Pyramyd Air. The clinic, which covers, safety, sight alignment, trigger control, and follow through, lasted until 11:30. After lunch the participants turned into competitors for a 3x10 match. The competition was ratcheted up a notch when PVA Associate Spots and Recreation Director Andy MacDonald produced Cabela’s gift cards for first and second place.
Congratulations to our champions Gary and Cheri for their outstanding performances! Enjoy your shopping spree!
For more information about the disabled air rifle shooting clinics contact Vanessa Warner at 703-267-1495 or vwarner@nrahq.org.
