The best shotgun shooters of the world take part in the first step of this year’s ISSF World Cup Series, aiming to the next Olympic Games.
The 2012 ISSF World Cup Series officially kicked off form Tucson, AZ, USA, today. There, the first ISSF Shotgun World Cup Stage of the year is held from March the 24th to April the 2nd.
About 250 international shotgun shooters, coming form 44 countries, will compete here in the next days, fighting for a spot on the podium in the five Olympic events of Trap, Double Trap and Skeet shooting.
“I would like to thank our American hosts.” The ISSF President, Mr. Olegario Vazquez Raña said, officially opening the World Cup Stage.
“This is a beautiful range, and I am sure that we are going to be witness of a great competition. I wish you all good luck – he added speaking to the participants – and I wish you all to compete in fair play.”
This ISSF World Cup Stage provides one of the last chances to compete at international level, before the XXX Olympic Games which will take place in London starting form the next 26th of July.
Top shooters from all around the world – including a number of athletes ranked in the top-10 of the world in their respective events – have been travelling to Tucson to shutter hundreds of clays under the blue skies of Arizona.
“We are happy to welcome here in USA shooters coming from 44 countries.” The ISSF Vice-President, and President of USA Shooting, Mr. Gary Anderson said, also thanking the city authorities and the sponsors of the event.
“This is one of the last international shotgun matches before the Olympics, and we will try to provide you with the best possible conditions. We wish you all a great competition!”
The first medal match of this ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Tucson – the Skeet Women Final - will take place tomorrow afternoon, Sunday the 25, scheduled at 4 PM (GMT-7).
Stay tuned on www.issf-sports.org for results, photos and comments on the event, and check out the ISSF YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/issfchannel for the latest videos of the competition!