Registration is now open for the 2024 ScoutsCymru All Wales Air Rifle Championship, which will see young people and leaders across Wales competing to see who can fire the most accurate shots on target.
Scouts, Explorers, Network members and Leaders are invited to take part in the free annual competition which runs from Thursday 1 February until Tuesday 30 April, with registration closing on Sunday 31 March.
There are separate categories for Scouts, Explorers, Network and Leaders, and a choice of shooting distance and position. Each participant competes for their group or unit against others in Wales, with both novice and more experienced shooters welcome to participate.
Groups compete at their usual local range, with results submitted via an image portal or by post to the adjudicators. Those who don’t have access to air rifle equipment and facilities can email Tony Hodge, Lead Volunteer for Brecknock Scouts, on lvbrecknock@scoutscymru.org.uk, who can advise on the possibility of accessing nearby equipment or having a mobile range visit them.
Last year’s event saw an incredible 406 entries from groups and individuals across Wales, compared to 398 in 2022 and this year, the organisers are hoping for more entries than ever before.
There is no charge to enter the competition, and the general rules of the championships are a simplified form of similar competitions run by British Shooting. Targets, pre-labelled with registered entries, will be mailed upon registration. Each group will have to make its own arrangements for pellets, practise targets and return of competition targets, with competitors able to take part using either Springer air rifles or PCP air rifles.
There are 12 separate competitions for different age ranges, and each participant will need to shoot four target cards, with five shots per card. Target cards can then be scanned and submitted online or posted back to organisers. The winners will be announced on Wednesday 1 May, with medals and trophies for the top scorers nationally in each category.
The competition is also a great way to start working towards the Master at Arms activity badge for Scouts, and can form part of the Skills or Physical Activity awards for Explorers.
Tony Hodge said: “It’s great to offer extra activities to members and for them to have a true national competition for very low cost. The championship always generates excitement on how each member has done locally and sometimes surprise on their position nationally. The top three target scores go towards the team score, so try to make sure you at least shoot in any category to give your team the best chance.”
Tony added that one of the most popular parts of the competition is the Balloon Challenge Target. This is a collaborative challenge completed by the whole group or unit where they need to work together to get one shot on each of the 27 balloons in the picture – with only 27 shots allowed. Depending on where the shot lands, you can earn between one and three points, but if more than one shot hits a balloon then only the lowest score counts. The maximum possible score is 81 with last year’s winner scoring 43 and the year before 34.
Tony said: “It’s a great challenge that needs shots from everyone and careful strategy to achieve the best. It provides lots of laughs and a little bit of frustration.”
You can register for the 2024 ScoutsCymru All Wales Air Rifle Championship here: https://form.jotform.com/213318076452352
For more information on the event, email lvbrecknock@scoutscymru.org.uk
Scout leaders with an NRSA qualification are also needed to volunteer at the target shooting range at the upcoming All Wales Scout Camp at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells from Friday 14-Sunday 16 June. For more information, email shooting@scoutscymru.org.uk
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