TWO MEMBERS of the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) returned home last Monday, after competing in the International Practical Shooting Confederation Region of Suriname Level II Match held in that country last Sunday.

The GSSF was once again represented by Ryan McKinnon and president Vidushi Persaud at a match held at the MTC Ranges in Suriname and one match consisted of seven stages requiring a minimum of 140 rounds of 9mm or higher calibre.
These dynamic stages required competitors to shoot as accurately as possible at multiple targets that were set up in various scenarios and distances: some through window cutouts, around walls, while moving, reloading and others under tables.
“There were even stages that stipulated shooting with your right hand only and another with your left hand only, all the while trying to beat the clock and complete the stage with a better time than your competitor, with points being deducted for misses and any hits on specific penalty targets,” explained the participants
Most importantly, all this is to be done safely, while keen specially trained Range Officers were present managing the strict business of safety for all in blazing sunshine and typically high tropical humidity.
When the smoke cleared and the dust settled, McKinnon, a leading Guyanese Practical Shooter had to settle for third place in Standard division earning 519.0146 points overall, only just losing out on second place to veteran Surinamese Claude Lee 519.1351 points and division favourite Surinamese Mark Jie Tjoe Foek who took the top prize with a runaway 654.6745 points.
Medals were also awarded for the top three spots per division for every stage and this saw McKinnon secure for Guyana two silver medals and Persaud one silver medal with Persaud showing dominance behind Jie Tjoe Foek in the right hand only stage.
She also secured the second place Lady Category Trophy finishing behind veteran Surinamese Angelique Tjon Kon Joen.
Meanwhile, the local shooters expressed appreciation to their Surinamese neighbours whom they fondly view as family from a larger global group thanks to the camaraderie that IPSC matches build and were grateful for the much needed practice obtained in this format of sport shooting.
The GSSF expressed its gratitude to IPSC Suriname for the usual kind invitation and for facilitating the attendance of their members to such matches, with special ‘Thank you’ extended to IPSC Suriname’s Regional Director Mr Serge Tjin Wong Joe and Match Director Mr Sergio Tjon for their tireless contribution towards practical shooting within the Caribbean region.
GSSF is dedicated towards encouraging and promoting practical shooting for all Guyana and in this regard, they will be hosting a Match on October 25 from 14:00hrs, which will be open to all established Practical Shooters of Guyana.
Pre-registration is recommended, so interested persons can contact any executive member of the GSSF for further details.