A record number of athletes gathered to Maribor’s Gaj Shooting Range to compete in the last World Cup of the year, trying to secure a pass to the 2012 Games.
The fourth and last ISSF Shotgun World Cup Stage of the year kicked-off at the Gaj Shooting Range in Maribor, Slovenia, where the competition is held between the 7th through the 16th of July.
“’It’s a record event! The numbers shows us that this world cup stage is a complete success, and that our sport is attracting a great number of athlete from every corner of the world!” The ISSF Vice President, Medhat Wahdan, during his officially opening speech, commenting on the excellent turnout of athlete of this ISSF World Cup Stage.
“In behalf of the ISSF President, Mr. Olegario Vazquez Raña, I would like to thank the organizers of this event for these outstanding results.”
592 shooters coming from 77 countries will participate in this Olympic qualifier world cup stage, trying to secure one of the Quota Places awarded here in Maribor.
This is indeed the last chance to win a quota, before the World Championship that will be held in Belgrade in September.
“We have to thank our team for this success!” the President of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Igor Ragusa, said at the Opening Ceremony.
“Our volunteers, our sponsors and our team experts played a determinant role in the organization of this event.”
“I hope you will have a pleasant stay here in Maribor, and I hope to see you again next year, when we will host an ISSF World Cup Final on this range.” Mr. Ragusa concluded.
“This is the biggest Shotgun World Cup Final ever, in terms of participation.” The President of the Slovenian Shooting Federation, Mr. Gorazd Maloic added.
“We are proud that this range will be the centre of the shooting world, in the next days, and we wish you all a great success!” He said along with the Major of Slovenca Bistrica, speaking to the shooters attending the ceremony.
The first medal match, the Trap Women final, will take place on the 9th of July, at 19.30 (Slovenian time).
Check the schedule of the event at: http://www.issf-sports.org/calendar/championship_schedule.ashx?cshipid=1181
And keep on following the fourth 2011 ISSF Shotgun World Cup Stage at www.issf-sports.org