Visually impaired experience shooting for first time

Seven visually impaired people have experienced an air rifle session for the first time.

The shooting session, at the Western Miniature Rifle Club in Jersey, was the first its kind on the island which used sound as a target, organisers said.

Sounds got higher pitched and more consistent the closer to the target centre each competitor got, they added. They shot using standard a 10m competition rifle.

Club vice-president Jerry Hart said he had has wanted to organise such an event since since seeing visually impaired shooters in the UK. He said: "It is about everyone together, shooting together, the same evening, the same club, same membership, and moving all that forward."

Hart said he was now planning for more events at the club.

"It's going to be quite special and we're going to work hard to progress it into the future," he said.

At the session on Tuesday, the seven lined up alongside against people in the British Shooters' talent pathway scheme from Jersey who shot at visual targets.

Hart said he hoped some of those who took part could be involved in competitions in the future.

He said: "Give it a couple of years. If the shooters are keen, then that should be all they need and we'll get into the UK and compete".

Pamela Trenear experienced it for the first time and said she wanted to return in the future.

She said: "I've got to get a better score, try and get a bit more on the target."

Jennifer Stafford, who uses a cane in day-to-day life, said she enjoyed new experiences.

She said: "I love a challenge so, when I was offered this, I said: 'Yes, definitely.'

"It was great to give it a go... I loved it.

"You just listen to the beeps and then once the beeps got more excitable then it was time to shoot.

"I started off quite good and then went downhill after that. But it was great, it was just such a buzz; great way to get rid of frustration as well."

Johannes Mortensen said it was "eye-opening" to experience the sport for the first time.

"The whole thing is amazing. Where we're coming from to be able to do it now at the level and standard that is available.

"It's freedom, it's something new."

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