World shoot qualifier set in Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- Practical shooters across the country will be trooping to this Freeport to fire their best shots in the hope of representing the country in the forthcoming International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) World Shoot XVI in Rhodes, Greece this year.

Raul Marcelo, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) deputy administrator for business, said the prospective shooters will participate in the PNoy Cup-World Shoot XVI Qualifier Pistol scheduled at the firing range here on May 31 to June 5.

Records say the art of shooting can be traced to as far as the Middle Ages, but it was not until the 19th century that shooting really developed into a sport through the help of IPSC.

The shooting competition will involve "multiple targets, moving targets, targets which react when hit, penalty targets, or even partially covered targets, obstacles, movement, competitive strategies, and other techniques which are all a part of IPSC to keep shooters challenged and spectators engaged."

"This is going to be the biggest shoot fest ever to be held in the region," Marcelo said.

He also said the firing range at Subic's former Naval Magazine area was developed to accommodate 16 stages, which include six short, six medium, and four long stages at 278 rounds.

Marcelo said Subic would be one of the four areas in the country where the World Shoot Qualifier would be staged. The others included Davao City (May 13-15), Puerto Princesa City (April 14-17), and Marikina City (May 20-22).

In a meeting with Jim Robertson, president of the Olongapo Practical Shooters Association (Opsa) and other SBMA officials, Opsa committee member Cary Ignacio also confirmed that more than 450 live ammo shooters and 150 air soft shooters from the Asian Region will be participating in the event.