Tasmania is set to stage the XVI Australian Masters Games from October 21 to 28 later this year and now is the time to sign up. Among the many events on offer, there are three shooting disciplines, with the SSAA Sheffield Branch hosting the Field Rifle, 3-Positional and IRB competitions on October 22 and 23.
SSAA Sheffield President Wayne Brough says his branch is proud to be organising the shooting events at the Masters Games in conjunction with some other clubs. “Our club has over 200 members and we recently increased our Field Rifle competitions from monthly to fortnightly because they have been so popular,” said Wayne. “We thought this would be a great chance to show off our club and Tasmania to shooters around Australia.”
While you can expect some stiff competition in the Field Rifle from the locals, Wayne says there are also some extremely good IRB shooters at the club. “We chose Field Rifle, 3-P and IRB because our club handles those disciplines very well and even people over 100 years old can participate in them – it’s the Masters Games after all,” he said.
Wayne reveals that interest in the Games has already spread as far as Western Australia, with a handful of Field Rifle shooters planning ahead for their journey over to Tasmania. “I think the Masters Games would make for a great trip for people to come over and have a holiday. They can compete at the Games and explore Tasmania at the same time,” he said. “Our competition will run over the first three days of the Games, so there will be plenty of time for competitors to join in other sports as well if they want.”
There are a number of accommodation options available within 20 minutes of the club and Launceston is only an hour away, making sightseeing the surrounding areas a breeze. Accommodation discounts will become available as the event edges closer so be sure to keep an eye out for that.
The minimum age to join in the Masters Games is 30 with separate age groups beyond that. You can find all other information, including the registration form, on the Australian Masters Games website.