ISSF World Cup in Rifle and Pistol kicks-off in Milan

500 shooters in Milan
The ISSF World Cup Series moved from Munich to Milan, Italy, where the fifth leg of this year’s Series is hosted at the Tiro a Segno Nazionale shooting club, from the 21st through the 29th of May.

About 500 shooters coming from 57 countries met here to compete in Rifle and Pistol Olympic events, at the traditional spring appointment with the shooting sport in Milan, where eighteen different ISSF World Cup stages have been held in the last 20 years.

“Shooting Sport means friendship,” the Minister of Sport said
The Minister of Sport of Lombardy Piergianni PROSPERINI welcomed the shooters and the delegations at the Tiro a Segno Nazional shooting club, whishing them to reach the best results in this world cup stage.
 
“Shooting sports means friendship!” Minister Prosperini said at the opening ceremony “It’s great to see athletes form 55 countries here in Milan, gathering together in this shooting venue to share a sport competition. Some of their countries may be in contrast each other, but they come here to compete in friendship. Welcome to Milan ”

The Vice-President of the UITS  (The Italian Shooting Union) Tito SUSS officially opened the ISSF World Cup Stage in Milan “Welcome to Italy! We are proud to host the 18th edition of the ISSF World Cup in Rifle and Pistol events in Milan.” Mr. Suss said while speaking at the opening ceremony.

“This world cup stage is one of the first steps on the path leading to the 2012 Olympic Games.” Mr. Suss continued “Thanks to all of the participants who gathered here to compete, and thanks to the International Shooting Sport Federation to grant us the privilege of organizing such a prime sport event.”

The first medals to be assigned May 23
The first medals of this ISSF World Cup Stage will be assigned May 23, when the 10m Air Rifle Men and Women competition will be conducted at 4.30 PM and 5.30 PM Milan Time (GMT/UTC+2).