July 28th, 2022Adaptive Shooting Programs for Physically-Challenged ShootersOne of the great thing about shooting is that marksmanship is one of the few sports where physically-challenged persons can compete at the highest level — with some provisions for wheelchair access and mobility. Matt Schwartzkopf, for example, is a top-ranked F-Class competitor. Matt is a rangemaster at Ben Avery, Arizona. He is a double amputee (below his knee). He has not let that obstacle stop him. He has been a Top-10 finisher in major F-Class matches and was selected to shoot with FTR Team USA. Matt Schwartzkopf, a double amputee below his knee, had his lower legs amputated due to a birth defect. He hasn’t let that stop him. Matt is an inspiration to all of us. He said, “This condition hasn’t held me back from doing anything.” He joked that he didn’t have “a leg to stand on”, but that doesn’t mean he can’t shoot 10s or Xs at 1000. Matt is proof that competitive shooting can be enjoyed by all ages, abilities and physical limitations. Matt is more than a skilled shooter. He also runs the range operations at Ben Avery, Arizona. Matt is responsible for overseeing the firing line, organizing pit crews and posting match results during major matches. The NRA has established a national database of hunting and fishing opportunities for people with disabilities. There are 45+ organizations that offer programs across the country, including Buckmasters and Freedom Hunters, Hope Outdoors and Hunting with Heroes. Dr. Joe Logar, PT/DPT, NRA National Adaptive Shooting Programmes Manager, said that “entering into the outdoors has long since been recognized as healing for both the body and the soul.” These benefits can be even greater for someone with a disability, injury, illness, or other impairment. “NRA’s Hunter Services and Adaptive Shooting Programs maintain a list of organizations that offer outdoor opportunities for people with disabilities. Any adaptive shooter can now search a database to find adventure options such as guided whitetail hunts and chartered fishing trips. Accessible hiking trails are also available throughout the country. Visit the NRA Adaptive Shooting Program’s Hunting/Fishing Trip Database to find a program.
NRA Adaptive Shooting Program provides information for organizations that plan to include persons with disabilities in their events. Veterans’ groups, rehabilitation centers, gun clubs, and gun clubs can organize events. For more information visit AdaptiveShooting.NRA.org.Adaptive Shooting Programs in the United KingdomAcross the pond, the National Rifle Association of the United Kingdom (NRAUK) also has adaptive shooting programs. The NRA.ORG.UK website offers a wealth information for disabled shooters. Some are accessible to disabled people while others are more difficult. Shooting clubs and facilities may not cater to all disciplines. Some offer only one discipline, while larger complexes can accommodate many. Bisley Camp in Surrey is the only place where you can try almost all disciplines. Although access to outdoor ranges is improving, it is still not possible to try all disciplines. Target shooting is a common skill across all disciplines. You could start with another option that is similar to your preferred one, learn those key skills, then take up your first choice if it becomes available. “Making ranges suitable for disabled shooters
NRA Club Connections magazine’s Summer 2019 issue features an article on adaptive shooting. This article will explain how range owners can make their fire lines more accessible by adding a simple mat.
Similar Posts:Tags Adaptive Database. Adaptive Hunting. Adaptive Shooting. Disability. Matt Schwartzkopf. National Rifle Association UK. NRA Adaptive Shooting. Team USA. Wheelchair Access.
