Rifle Association, NSC discuss ‘urgent need’ for indoor shooting range

The Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) met with the National Sports Commission (NSC) on Thursday (February 5) as part of the Commission’s ongoing consultations with national federations and associations, with infrastructure development emerging as a key priority for the sport’s growth.

Leading the NSC delegation were Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and Assistant Director of Sport Franklin Wilson, while the GNRA was represented by Vice-President Col. (Ret’d) Enoch Gaskin, Honorary Secretary Ryan Sampson, and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Lennox Braithwaite.

Central to the discussions was the urgent need for an indoor shooting range, which GNRA officials identified as critical to the sport’s long-term development in Guyana.

According to the association, their usual indoor facility at the Guyana Police Force’s Tactical Service Unit (TSU), Eve Leary, was removed, forcing the body to rely on the outdoor range at Temehri for both handgun and rifle shooting.

“So presently, we’re in need of a building, where we’ll have indoor shooting and this will enable us to have Air Rifle and Air Pistol shooting, where we’ll be able to train persons who are interested in the sport,” Sampson said.

Sampson explained that air rifle and air pistol shooting are Olympic disciplines, and the absence of a dedicated indoor facility restricts the GNRA’s ability to fully participate in that pathway.

An indoor range, he noted, would significantly boost training opportunities and talent identification.

According to Sampson, with Air shooting being an Olympic Sport, having their own indoor facility will enable the GNRA to not only enhance their skills in the sport, but also scout new talent.

Sampson described the meeting more as a family gathering  that allowed for free and frank discussions.

Governance and administration were also on the agenda, with the GNRA providing an update on its upcoming elections scheduled for February 19.

Sampson indicated that current president, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, is expected to return to the post, noting, “he has been doing a good job.”

Looking ahead to competition, Sampson revealed that the GNRA is preparing to host a 23-member team from the English Rifle Association from April 13-20.

The visit will serve as preparation for the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championship, which is set for April 25 to May 3 in Antigua and Barbuda.

The meeting formed part of the NSC’s broader effort to engage sporting bodies, assess their needs, and support structured development across disciplines in Guyana.