Published: Monday, 13th September 2021
The national final of the British Shooting Schools for Air Rifle and Air Pistol Championships are coming to Chase Leisure Centre in Cannock next year.
British Shooting is the National Governing Body for the Olympic and Paralympic target shooting disciplines in Great Britain.
The championships feature athletes between the ages of 11-18 years old, that have qualified from all over the UK. The competition is mixed gender and physical ability.
The British Shooting Schools Pistol and Rifle Championships is a national championship, where individuals and teams representing their school, participate in the regional championships held across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and then qualify through to the National Final.
The Schools Championships aims to engage with athletes and volunteers who are new to shooting, as well as those with more experience, such as Pony Club, Scouts, Cadets, Girl Guides etc, as well as schools.
The finals will take place on 8 and 9 February 2022 and it is anticipated that 240 athletes will take part, and for the first-time local schools will be invited to a “have a go” day on the National Final range on 10 February.
Councillor Adrienne Fitzgerald, Portfolio Leader for Housing, Heritage & Leisure said “We’re delighted that thanks to the efforts of Councillor Buttery we will be hosting the championships at Chase Leisure Centre.
“We’ve all got involved in the recent Olympics and Paralympics and excited to see how well Great Britain has done.
“Pistol and rifle shooting is a disciplined sport and Team GB have won 2 golds at the recent Olympics. We’re lucky to have a fantastic club down the road in Rugeley, could we have the next Team GB Olympic or Paralympic champion in our District?”
Chris Derbyshire, Managing Director Inspiring healthy lifestyles said “We’re very much looking forward to welcoming the championships to Chase Leisure Centre and thrilled that we’re able to encourage wider take up and engagement of the sport through the ‘have a go’ day.
"Gorgs Geikie, the founder and manager of the Schools Championships is the last pistol shooter to have competed at an Olympics. (London 2012). And strives to inspire the next generation to achieve their dreams and enjoyment in the sport."
Gorgs Geikie, manager of the Schools Championships said “British Shooting are thrilled to bring the National Final to Cannock, the true heart of the country. Athletes and school teams from all over the country will descend to Chase Leisure Centre to tussle to become National Champions of today and potential Olympians and Paralympians of the future.
“The area of Cannock has such strength in a number of sports and activities, but in particular, shooting. There’s a wealth of shotgun and rifle/pistol clubs, such as Rugeley Rifle club, in the area whom we’re thrilled are involved with this event.
“We’re also excited to deliver for the first time the have-a-go day following the event, where we hope to inspire young people and adults into our wonderful inclusive sport.”
Find out how to get involved by visiting www.britishshooting.org.uk