Jamaican shooters vying for spots in prestigious World Shoot tournament
Five of Jamaica’s top shooters are gearing up to compete for three spots at the prestigious World Shoot tournament in South Africa next year. The final qualifier for the World Shoot will take place at the Jamaica Rifle Association’s (JRA) Octoberfest competition, held at the JRA headquarters on Mountain View Avenue in Kingston this Saturday.
Approximately 50 participants are set to compete in the tournament, with the Production Division being the most widely contested. This division allows for the use of a standard firearm, making it a more cost-effective option for competitors as it does not require expensive equipment modifications.
Tournament Director Dennis Titus emphasized the importance of training and muscle memory in the sport of competitive shooting. While there is a misconception that competitive shooting is only for the wealthy, Titus and other shooters highlighted the financial challenges associated with acquiring and maintaining equipment, much of which needs to be imported from overseas.
Despite these challenges, sponsorship is crucial for the development of pistol shooting in Jamaica. However, convincing corporate sponsors to get involved has been difficult due to sensitivities around firearm use in the country. Titus noted that the perception of competitive shooting is changing as more people recognize it as an international sport with strict safety protocols in place.
Over 13 companies have stepped up to sponsor the upcoming competition, indicating a shift in attitudes towards the sport. Titus believes that as awareness grows, competitive shooting will gain popularity in Jamaica.
The tournament is set to kick off at 10 am and will run until approximately 4 pm. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, Jamaica’s top shooters will be putting their skills to the test in the hopes of securing a spot at the World Shoot tournament.
