Kapampangan shooter to compete in Worldshoot XVI

STO. TOMAS - Bringing honor and prestige to Kapampangans, 17-year-old practical shooter Diomari Ivan Tayag, a native of this small town, will be competing in the up-coming 16th Worldshoot on October 1, 2011 in Rhodes, Greece.

Tayag, a 2nd year Medical Technology student of the Angeles University Foundation (AUF), recently won the first place in the First Governor Lilia Pineda Cup, 6th place in the First Mayor Edward Hagedorn Cup and Third Mayor Jose Silvosa Sr. Cup, 2nd place in the General's Cup and 2nd place in the P-Noy Cup.

The said events are qualifier matches for the Philippine team who will represent the country in the Worldshoot XVI in Rhodes, Greece.

Tayag will compete in the Junior Division and Production class and is among the 16 members of the Philippine Team expected to bring home the gold in four events namely the Open, Production, Modified and Standard.

Tayag said he is proud to represent his province and the country in the upcoming sports event.

"Siyempre malaking karangalan na i-rerepresent natin ang probisya at bansa natin. Kaya lang malaking pressure din sa akin ito dahil makakalaban ko ang mga pinaka magaling na mga shooters sa ibat-ibang bansa. Basta gagawin ko lang ang dati ko ng ginagawa pag nakikipag compete, just do my best and believe in myself," Tayag said.

Among his fellow shooters who made it to the Philippine Team are the likes of Jetro Dionisio and Lejano "Jag" Jeufro.

Tayag, who is a multi-awarded shooter both nationally and internationally, has been a consistent winner in the Junior Division (21 below) since he joined IPSA and PPSA sanctioned competitions, traveling to different provinces in the Philippines and countries around the world.

He said he attributes his success to his father who is a role model, teaching him the value of sportsmanship, gun safety and discipline.

The young Tayag has been ranked 9th in the previous World Shoot Championship participated in by 1,800 delegates coming form different countries around the globe.

Tayag said he and his dad are now preparing for the World Shoot Championship.

He also won different titles in different cups like the Australia-Asia Cup, National Jack Enrile Cup- Junior championship held last year in Batangas, Bolo Cup-level 3, Junior Cup (Arms Corp.), Level 1 to 3 Senator Bong Bong Marcos Cup held in Ilocos, among others.

He is also a member of the Pampanga Shooters Association (PSA) and Philippine Practical Shooting Association (PPSA) and has been ranked as the number one junior shooter in Division 4 from 2007 to 2008.

Tayag thanked the support of his fellow shooters in the PSA who have been behind him during his training and competitions.

Governor Pineda and Mayor Joselito Naguit lauded the young Tayag for giving pride not only to the province and this town but to the country as well.

The two officials said he is truly a role model for other young Kapampangans and his accomplishments would motivate others to strive for excellence in their chosen sports. (Chris Navarro)