Opportunity to leave legacy for shooting missed

The location of shooting events at the 2012 Olympic Games may prove to be a lost opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for the sport according to the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).

Shooting events for the London Games are to be held at the Royal Artillery Barracks site at Woolwich where roads will be closed to secure a ‘sufficient safety zone’. The choice of venue has been opposed by every shooting organisation in the UK.

A recent report from the Culture, Media and Sport select committee on the Olympic Games in 2012 has also criticised the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) for insisting on using the Woolwich site especially as the layout of the facility means that it will be demolished after the Games, leaving no legacy for the sport.

Senior firearms officer, Mike Eveleigh, said: “We are disappointed that there is now no chance of changing the venue from Woolwich. It is a real shame that it seems there may not be a lasting legacy for shooting sports after the Games. Our sportsmen and women deserve better facilities and BASC will continue to support them as they prepare for the 2012 Games. “

ENDS