Edwin Vella, Public Relations Officer, Malta Shooting Sport Federation, Valletta
Malta needs national shooting complex
Now that we have a world champion in shooting sport, our nation definitely deserves a national shooting complex.
Hundreds of shooters, from 54 nations, took part in the ISSF World Cup 2011 alongside William Chetcuti. With the rapid rise in popularity of shooting sports around the globe, international shooters are looking for training grounds where they can practise and compete.
Our Mediterranean climate makes Malta an ideal site for shooting sport because it can be practised all year round. Cyprus took advantage of this situation and is flooded with national teams for their training camps.
In 2008, when the Malta Shooting Sport Federation was organising its centenary celebrations, the International Shooting Sport Federation, which is the organiser of the ISSF World Cup, ISSF European Championships and ISSF World Championships, had encouraged MSSF to organise international events here but unfortunately, because we did not have the required facilities, we could only limit ourselves to the International Shooting Grand Prix.
If a national shooting complex to accommodate all shooting disciplines practised in Malta were to materialise, the economical and social benefits for this island would be enormous.
Local athletes would have adequate practice facilities and many foreigners would choose Malta for their training camps. It would be beneficial for the property market because with more sports facilities one would attract upmarket investors.
Such a complex would be financially self-sufficient. This is the only way forward for sports tourism.
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Mr Edwin Vella
May 3rd 2011, 16:57
When the authorities realize how benficial it is both for sports tourism and for sports in general, this dream will come true. And for the one who thought we will have a problem to raise the funds I will assure him that we do not have that problem.
Mr Andrew Mumford
May 1st 2011, 14:01
Why not? Unlike some outdoor sports such as skiing, which require both a lot of area and specific weather conditions, shooting can be carried out with relatively compact facilities and little effect on the environment. If it then brings foreign cash into the Country, so much the better. It just need a 'can do' attitude on the part of the authorities - not a 'can't do'.
Mr C Cassar
Apr 30th 2011, 21:07
Great idea. Implemented hand in hand with a complete ban on shooting wild birds would be the only way. Thoise with guns get a nice managed facility in return for the cessation of the annual slaughter of dwindling wild birds.
Christine Attard
Apr 30th 2011, 18:55
Mr JJ borg. The problem is not the banks. There are far more major forces at work here than you or I will ever imagine. Its one heck of an obstacle race, where the obstacles change as you race along. Nuff Said !
Mr J. J. Borg
Apr 30th 2011, 15:49
Fair enough. Now tell us what your federation is willing to do to raise the money for this. If the project will be financially self-sufficient you should have no problem convincing the banks and other institutions for a loan.
Ms Sylvana Zarb Darmanin
Apr 30th 2011, 15:20
Charlie Borg, how funny and ridiculous!!!!!
Christine Attard
Apr 30th 2011, 15:09
You're not funny Charlie. This is serious talk here. Would you have commented that 'the country is one big race track' if someone asked for one ??
I'm a gun collector and 'hopeful' shooter and interested in other sports disciplines that involve shooting (apart from clays). Few people know these even exist, and believe me these disciplines are known worldwide and are big abroad. Unfortunately my dream is still a dream cause we do not have the facilities. Very well written Mr Vella.
Charlie Borg
Apr 30th 2011, 13:19
Do we need a national shooting complex? I thought the whole country was one!