Shooting a success

By Shaun Inguanzo
PARALYMPIC shooter Jason Maroney was the inspiration for six physically disabled people as they tried their hand at sport shooting in Springvale last week.
The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) held the Shooting For All day at its Springvale range in an attempt to lighten the lives of disabled people, many of whom are wheelchair bound.
SSAA sports administration manager Shane Oliver said the participants tried air rifles which require a steady hand and heavy concentration.
To help inspire the participants, the SSAA brought Paralympic shooter and Australia’s finest disabled air rifleman Jason Maroney to the range.
“He had a question and answer session with the participants and provided an insight into how he started out and how he got to a Paralympic level,” Mr Oliver said.
Mr Oliver said the day was rewarding for all involved but none more so than the participants.
“They loved it, from my point of view it is the best program we run,” he said.
“It is terrific to see people who don’t think they can do many recreational activities because of their disabilities have a go and hit the bullseye. It is a massive psychological lifter for them.”
Mr Oliver said any disabled people could have a go at sport shooting and even though the Shooting For All day had passed, the association was always keen to arrange a time for people to try shooting.
Contact the SSAA on 8892 2777 for more information.