The ISSF President Olegario Vazquez Raña visited the shooting range of Fort Benning, USA, in occasion of the 2015 ISSF Rifle and Pistol World Cup heId there from the 13th through the 18th of May. More than 600 international athletes compete in the world cup stage, trying to secured one of the 24 Rio 2016 Olympic quota places up for grabs.
“I feel very happy to be here in Fort Benning, Georgia, where the fifth ISSF World Cup stage of the year is held.” The ISSF President said. “Fort Benning is like the University for our sport.”
The venue, which hosted nine world cup stages since 1994, has recently been renewed with the addition of a new finals hall, a dedicated venue to conduct the finals of all 10 Olympic rifle and pistol events.
“I am truly please and surprised to see this finals range. I have been here in 2014, and the range wasn't there. I would like to congratulate the organization and the staff for the important work they have carried out. I believe this range is probably the best in America, and one of the best in the world.” Mr. Olegario Vazquez Raña continued, visiting the installation together with the ISSF Vice-President Gary Andersona and with the Member of the ISSF Executive Committee Robert Mitchell. “I would really like some of our other federations to build something like this.”
The President, who followed the world cup competitions, awarded the ISSF Gold medal to the chief of the Organizing Committee Pete Carson, and the ISSF Silver medal to Ron Morales (25m Chief Range Officer) and to Earl Litherland (Chief Range Officer at the Finals Hall), for their contribution to the success of the competition.
“I would like to congratulate the Organizing Committee for their excellent work in the preparation and in the conduction of this competition.” Mr. Olegario Vazquez Raña said. “Congratulations to the athletes who are here, competing for medals and for Olympic qualification slots. We have more than 600 shooters coming from over 70 countries, which just proves the athletes love coming to Fort Benning.”