National Shooting Week 2014 runs from 24-31 May and offers the public a have-a-go taste of the Commonwealth Games sports of clay pigeon and target shooting.
Organised by the Countryside Alliance with the backing of the British Shooting Sports Council, this year will be the seventh National Shooting Week (NSW) and we are aiming to make it the best yet, with around 60 shooting grounds around the country having signed up.
NSW's main aims are to enable anyone to try shooting for the first time and to promote respect for and understanding of legal firearms and airguns and last year hundreds of people were welcomed to the sport at special newcomers' events.
The week offers target and clay pigeon shooting, often at special discounted rates, but does not feature live quarry.
Barney White Spunner, executive chairman of the Countryside Alliance, said: "National Shooting Week is an important date in the diary and has encouraged thousands of people to take up a new sport over the years. Interest in shooting is at a high following our victories at the 2012 Olympics and in the run up to the Commonwealth Games – who knows, we may discover a future sporting star at one of our events this year.
"We are very grateful to the shooting grounds who are taking part in NSW this year. Their training and enthusiasm is a real asset to the week."
Comments on National Shooting Week
Olympic gold medallist, Peter Wilson:
"Shooting is an amazing sport. It instils strong values of respect, honesty, safety and a competitive spirit in those taking part, so is a great sport for children to get involved in."
Helen Grant MP, sports minister:
"National Shooting Week provides an excellent opportunity for people to try the sport out for the first time, guided by expert coaches at clubs across the country. London 2012 gold medal winner Peter Wilson is supporting the week and who knows it may help discover an Olympic shooting champion of the future."
Clive Efford MP, former shadow sports minister:
"National Shooting Week provides a perfect opportunity to learn about target shooting. I would encourage anyone who wants to try the sport to give it a go."
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To find out more about NSW and the grounds taking part in the scheme, go to www.nationalshootingweek.co.uk or contact Countryside Alliance head of media Charlotte Cooper on 0207 840 9220 or [email protected]
If you would like to try shooting at a NSW centre as part of a press article, either contact the ground directly or the Countryside Alliance press office, as above.
Picture caption: Image from last year's NSW, Olympic gold medallist Peter Wilson instructs first time shot Rob Scammell, aged 14.
FACTS ABOUT TARGET SHOOTING FOR JOURNALISTS
Shooting Overview:
Shooting contributes more than £1.6 billion to the UK economy each year and supports the equivalent of 70,000 full time jobs (PACEC report 2006)
There are over 1,000 shooting clubs in the UK
A new report by PACEC, which will include an in-depth look at target shooting, is being published in 2014.
Shooting Participation:
150,000 people shoot clay targets on a regular basis (PACEC 2006)
50,000 people enjoy target shooting at ranges every year (PACEC 2006)
Target Shooting as a Sport:
Shooting has a large history in the Olympics, with London 2012 hosting 15 events in total - nine events for men and six for women, plus the Winter Olympics' biathlon events.
Recent successes include Peter Wilson winning gold at London 2012 and World Class skeet shooter Amber Hill winning the 2013 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year.
There is great expectation of success from British shots at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
National Shooting Week:
More than 20,000 newcomers have tried shooting over the previous six National Shooting Weeks, with an estimated 12,000 staying on within the sport.