October 29, 2024
The 2024 West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championships officially commenced today at the Timehri Rifle Ranges on the Soedyke-Linden Highway, marking the first time since 2017 that Guyana is hosting the prestigious event.
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali had the honor of firing the ceremonial first shot, officially opening the competition.
The championship has attracted top marksmen from across the Caribbean, as well as international participants from Canada and the United States, making this year’s event a significant milestone in the sport.
In his opening remarks, President Ali extended a warm welcome to the competitors, noting that the weather and the location were ideal for the event.
He highlighted that the Timehri ranges offer the perfect conditions to test the skills of the shooters, adding that the event was a testament to the region’s dedication to the sport.
The Guyana National Rifle Association (NRA), in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), spent several months preparing the shooting ranges, ensuring they were in top condition.
Chief of Defence Brigadier Omar Khan commended the participants for their commitment to the sport and emphasized the importance of maintaining regional camaraderie and the continued development of shooting as a sport in the Caribbean.
Under the leadership of Brigadier Khan, efforts to upgrade the facilities were led by Vice President of the NRA Mahendra Persaud and Fullbore Captain Dylan Fields.
The upgrades to the shooting banks and mechanisms were supported by Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill.
The 2024 West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championships will run until November 4, with participants competing in various events at the Timehri Ranges.
President Ali, who also serves as the Patron of the Guyana NRA, has been a strong advocate for hosting the championship and looks forward to seeing the region’s best shooters compete.
This year’s competition is not only a showcase of regional talent but also a celebration of Guyana’s role in promoting the sport of shooting in the Caribbean.