Ready...Aim...Fire!
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Shooting competition is divided into rifle and pistol events, air and .22 calibre. The rules governing the competitions for the disabled are those of the International Shooting Committee for the Disabled. These rules take into account the differences that exist between shooting for the able-bodied and shooting for persons with a disability.
Shooting utilises a functional classification system, which enables athletes from different disability classes with the same abilities to compete together; either individually or in teams.
Disability Target Shooting Great Britain endeavours to promote and encourage all wheelchair shooting in Great Britain, organising competitions for both beginners and competent shooters, as well as providing top coaching for those chosen to represent Great Britain in International, World and Paralympic competitions.
Training & Competition
DTSGB holds regular Training Weekends at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium culminating in top level competition. One of the main aims of the Association is to develop links with able-bodied shooters and governing bodies. This is achieved by disabled shooters competing in able-bodied shoots and involving able bodied coaches in the training of disabled shooters.
At the present time we have approximately 30 members but the interest in shooting is rapidly growing. The Association is currently attempting to form a Junior Shooting Squad to ensure the development of our National Team in the future.
History
Although shooting as such has been known since the invention of gunpowder, target shooting really came into its own in 1907 with the formation of the U.I.T. which is the governing body in the able bodied world of shooting.
DTSGB (Formerly BPSA) was formed in 1976 to introduce shooting to people with disabilities. Rules and regulations in conjunction with the ISSF were drawn up, the only difference being that wheelchair competitors shoot Air Rifle Prone and standing as per bodied competitors who shoot standing only. Disabled air pistol shooters shoot the same competitions as the able-bodied competitors.
Shooting events for athletes with physical disabilities started in 1970 in Scotland. Shooting first became a Paralympic sport in 1980 Great Britain has won many medals at Paralympic Games through the efforts of such stars as Deanna Coates and Isabel Newstead.