Shooters take aim at sponsors

A CHALLENGE has been issued to corporate Trinidad and Tobago to become more involved in the activities of the Trinidad Rifle Association (TRA). Miffed at being denied a bigger slice of the sponsorship pie over the years, TRA officials recently launched plans to celebrate their 125th anniversary and are making a bold effort to sensitise the population on their activities. Public Relations Officer Mike Perez is one who does not mix words in lamenting the lack of support for the sport which has earned TT a big reputation overseas. “I think pound for pound, rifle shooting has earned this country more honours than any other sport at an international level,” said Perez during a recent interview at the Tuckey Valley Range in Chaguaramas.

He was no doubt referring to the sterling accomplishments of the local crackshots at the Central American and Caribbean Games two years ago when they won gold in the team competition, the small bore pistol event and the individual shoot. They have also placed high up in other tournaments around the world. And among the present crop of shooters, Roger Daniel, a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force and Taran Deosaran, a taxi-driver of Claxton Bay are the shining lights who are expected to feature prominently in future overseas competitions. Also making a name for herself is air rifle shooter Savita Beatrice, Principal of the Modern Business School. Two years ago she was nominated by the TRA for the WITCO “Sportswoman of the Year” and is currently vice-captain of the air pistol team. Winner of the gold medal at the 2002 Southern Games, Beatrice scored 376 out of a possible 400 points. She also earned silver at the Cible D’or in Barbados the same year.

Beatrice has also represented Trinidad and Tobago at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester England and the CAC Games. Perez pointed out that the leading shooters compete on a consistent manner and are presently engaged in qualifying competitions for the upcoming Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. The TRA officials are hoping that financial support will come to assist the national effort to win shooting medals in Athens and to upgrade the Tucker Valley Range for the big Copa Del Caribe tournament at year’s end. Close to $300,000 is needed to bring the facilities up to international standard and a series of fund-raising events are planned to realise the sum with help expected from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs. Perez pointed out that the TRA lay claim to being the oldest existing sports organisation in Trinidad and Tobago and is only second to the Guyana Association. Members of the TRA are involved in fullbore shooting, trap and skeete, practical shooting and smallbore shooting.