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European Shooting Confederation |
 Extraordinary Olympic Trap competition!Shooting cruise with "MSC Orchestra" |
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The Italian Shooting Federation FITAV has invented a new way of organizing shotgun competitions, to attract new and experienced shooters, young and old. A cruise ship, MSC Orchestra was hired and a seven days cruise in the Mediterranean, starting in Genoa, Italy, going to Naples, Palermo, Tunisia, Palma de Malorca, Barcelona and Marseille, ending up where it started, in Genoa was a fact. |
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Three competition days (Palermo, Barcelona and Marseille) make the trip extremely attractive for Olympic Trap shooters, who may participate in the competition and at the same time have a nice relaxing week with family and friends in a maritime atmosphere! Day 1: Orchestra arrived Naples harbour 1030 sharp with the sun shining from a blue sky. A lot of shooters entered together with the President of FITAV, Luciano Rossi and other members of the FITAV Administrative Board. A press conference had been called for and several Italian sport journalists and photographers were present. Today's top shooters were introduced, in presents and by videos showing their previous victories, in Olympic Games, international championships and World Cup Finals. The shooters themselves expressed how they prepared for Beijing and their expectations and possibilities with regard to success and medals. Let's hope! A video from Beijing was shown and the conference was ended by the President, making up status for the federation, the exciting cruise and the preparation period from now until the Games start in August. The ship leaves for Palermo and the first competition day! |
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Two buses loaded with trap shooters left the harbour of Palermo to fire the first 50 shots of the "I Trofeo Internazionale del Mediterraneo". The trip went through wine fields and olive farms until we reached a fantastic shooting venue in Mazara del Vallo. Eight combined ranges were prepared for the 110 shooters and. After finishing, all the shooters and their fans were invited for lunch in a comfortable club house. Satisfied and safe onboard the ship an awarding ceremony waited. I don't know who were the winners, as all were awarded with a monkey mascot and a T-shirt. |
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The match continues in two days in Barcelona. In the meantime we will visit Tunisia and Palma de Malorca. |
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MSC "Orchestra" arrived in the harbour of Barcelona on a wonderful morning. Two buses were again waiting for the shooters, taking them to the honourable Olympic shooting range "Mollet del Vallés". The Catalanian Shooting Federation had excellently prepared for the match and the second part of the competition was shot with enthusiasm. The shooters felt the exitement by compeating on the range which has hosted both the Olympic Games and a World Championship. The results were satisfying, several shooters ended up with 47 killed targets! A nice lunch was served before the buses left for the harbour and "Orchestra" which should bring the shooters to the last part of the competition - in Marseille! |
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The range "Aix en Provence" in Marseille was the arena for the third and final competition day of the "I Trofeo Internazionale del Mediterraneo". The shooters disembarked the ship in Marseille harbour at 9 o'clock, well prepared for the last day of the competition. The excitement was high as they all knew that valuable prizes were waiting for the best on board of the ship and a gala prize ceremony was announced for the last evening! |
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Between rounds, the shooters, supporters and family members enjoyed themselves with boccia and card games. |
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The shooters were classified in class A: Excellence, class B, categories 1, 2 and 3; Master, Junior and Women. Ties were broken by shoot-off. After having finished the qualification the three best shooters from each category met in a Superfinal to fight for the most valuable trophies. |
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And guess if the winners were happy! |
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A fantastic shooting cruise had come to the end! This was an idea developed by the Federazione Italiana Tiro a Volo, which I am sure, will be repeated another year. I hope then that then there will be an international competition with participants from all over Europe! Unni Nicolaysen ESC President |
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