BASC’s success at making clay pigeon shooting available to more than 7,000 young people during the Essex International Jamboree has been praised by the event’s organisers.
Jamboree Chiefs Karen Packer and Paul Walker joined the 1,100 Scouts and Girlguides shown how to shoot by one of BASC’s 30 trained coaches on the third day of the week-long event.
After breaking clays for the first time ever, Karen declared that the shooting was proving one of the highlights of the Jamboree, which has brought together young people from more than 30 countries.
“The feedback from the youngsters has been amazing,” she said. “The kids will go back to school in September full of excitement because they have tried shooting. It is fantastic.
“BASC has stepped up to the challenge since we first approached them two years ago. Something of this size has never been done before, but BASC shared our vision. We offered BASC the space to do it and they have put on a remarkable show.”
Peter Marshall, BASC’s best practice development officer, said: “I can’t praise enough the efforts of the coaches who have made the event possible. It has been a lot of hard work for all involved, but it’s worth it when you see the smile on a youngster’s face after hitting a clay for the first time.
“BASC was keen from the outset to get involved in an event that showcases all that is positive about shooting. But it would not have been possible without the backing of our sponsors Eley, Browning and Promatic. Their support has been humbling. They have been with us all the way and have even shipped more equipment to us at short notice as the week has gone on because our coaching line has been so popular.
BASC chairman Peter Glenser said: “We hope some of these youngsters will be the future of our sport. Nothing on this scale has been done before, so it is a credit to all involved and a real endorsement of the sterling work BASC does to open up shooting’s appeal.”