Visually Impaired Shooting Demonstration Suhl 2014

Introduction

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Sarah Bond, IPC Shooting Sport Manager said: "There is a great demand from countries to add visually impaired shooting onto the program, so we are really pleased to have arranged a 40 shot air rifle standing contest at Suhl 2014.

"A select number of athletes have been invited to enter into this special event and to trial new prototype equipment which could revolutionize the future of the sport."

IPC Shooting has been working to develop new prototype technology that is similar to that used in visually impaired biathlon, which uses sound pulses to direct an athlete to the center of the target.

Those taking part in the event will have the chance to use two types of system, one that is 100 percent electronic and uses an electronic rifle and target, and one combination system which utilizes an electronic aiming device mounted on top of an air rifle for live firing at paper or electronic targets.

The principle of the demonstration event is not only to test the equipment, but also to showcase to National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) the current status and conceptual development of visually impaired shooting as an IPC Shooting discipline.

NPCs will have the chance to watch the demonstration and athletes will be given a survey to complete on the prototype shooting systems.

There will then be a dedicated session during the 2014 IPC Shooting Sport Forum (which consists of all NPCs which participate in shooting), being held at the World Championships for all feedback to be heard and considered.

The Sport Forum will also decide if the development project into visually impaired shooting will be continued under IPC Shooting, with the view to developing final technology and a sport-specific classification system by 2018.

Athletes normally compete in one of two sport classes (SH1 and SH2) based on their functional ability, rather than impairment type. SH1 athletes generally have lower limb impairments and either no upper limb impairments, or an upper limb impairment that does not prevent them from supporting the weight of the rifle or pistol themselves. Most athletes compete either in a wheelchair or in a seated position, however some athletes can, and do, stand to shoot. SH2 athletes have more severe upper limb impairments and compete only in rifle events, using a spring mounted stand to support the weight of the rifle. All athletes compete from a seated position and some also require a support assistant to load the rifle.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement, and also acts as the International Federation for nine sports, including shooting. The sport is governed by the IPC and co-ordinated by the IPC Shooting Sports Technical Committee, offering a wide range of competitions and events for male and female athletes in all impairment groups.

For further information, please visit www.ipc-shooting.org, Twitter.com/IPCShooting, www.Facebook.com/IPCShooting or www.ParalympicSport.TV

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