THE Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) celebrated its first anniversary in fine style this weekend with a Steel Challenge Shooting Association Tier 1 Match which was exclusively sponsored by El Dorado Trading.On the limited end of things Ryan McKinnon took the top spot with a time of 58.10 seconds. With his win, McKinnon had the privilege of hoisting the El Dorado Trading Steel Challenge Cup.
He dominated ahead of Joseph Chin and Match Director Vidushi Persaud (68.67s and 84.51s respectively). Peter Hugh, with a time of 78.84 took top honours in the Wildcat division ahead of Mohamed Gamal Khan, (254.71s) and Roberto Hochand (266.27s).
In every stage competitors were required to shoot five steel targets, positioned at various angles and distances, one of which is designated as a “stop plate” which is shot last. Registering a hit on the stop plate stops the time.
The total time it takes to hit all five plates is used for the score (the time is your score.) Any miss adds 3 penalty seconds to the time per miss. The best 4 out of 5 strings make up the total time per stage and ultimately the shooter with the lowest time (score) wins.
Delivering the opening remarks the match director welcomed members who came out to participate in the 1st Anniversary event. He encouraged shooters to have a safe match and to leave with the beautiful trophies up for grabs. He then declared the Match open.
Range Master McKinnon reviewed the safety requirements and reminded everyone of the Rules of a Steel Challenge Match.
Managing Director of El Dorado Trading, Tamesh Jagmohan, indicated that this will be a Challenge Trophy which McKinnon will have to defend next year during the month of June in honour of the anniversary of the GSSF. Each year the winner’s name and corresponding year will be affixed to the Cup’s base.
Ms Persaud conveyed thanks to El Dorado Trading as well as the Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Mark Phillips, GDF Colonel Benn, GPF Commissioner Seelall Persaud, GPF Asst. Commissioner Ramnarine, GPF Commander Hicken, GPF OC TSU Superintendent Denhert, GPF Corporal Dunn and the ranks of the GPF Armoury and TSU.
Additional trophies were presented by Mr Pavasky Jagmohan of El Dorado Trading to the top three.