Vision impaired (VI) shooting’s governance has changed hands, with World Shooting Para-sport including the category at several upcoming events.
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board has approved the transfer of the governance of VI shooting from the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) to World Shooting Para-sport.
IBSA previously oversaw VI shooting competitions, however in 2015 the organisation supported an effort by World Shooting Para-sport to develop a classification syst that would allow the sport to be held alongside the World Shooting Para-sport’s other events.
“We are thrilled to have vision impaired shooting join our family and open the door for more athletes to compete in our fantastic sport,” World Shooting Para-sport manager Mr Tyler Anderson said.
“We thank IBSA and the many individuals who made this possible for their tremendous contributions and we look forward to the first competition in Hanover.”
IBSA President Ms Jannie Hammershoi said her organisation believes World Shooting Para-sport has the resources and drive to take the sport forwards. “We are really happy to hand them the baton for this great sport of skill and accuracy, and appreciate their commitment to including athletes with visual impairments.”
VI shooting events will be included at several upcoming international competitions, with the first scheduled for the International Shooting Competition of Hanover, May 2-12 in Germany. Further VI shooting events will be held at 2019 World Shooting Para-sport World Cup, July 20-28, in Osijek, Croatia, and later at the 2019 World Shooting Para-sport World Championships, October 9-10, in Sydney.
Athletes who compete in VI shooting use an air rifle to shoot at a stationary target. To assist with aiming, competitors listen to an audio cue that rises in pitch the closer they aim to the target’s centre.
While VI shooting has not been included in the program for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games, the sport’s ascent to the World Championships is expected to develop the competition for its potential inclusion at a future event.
