Issue link: http://ssaansw.uberflip.com/i/330758
Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 8 On Saturday 24 May SSAA NSW participated in the 2014 Abela's Gun Shop Youth Day, which was also sponsored by Nioa Trading. SSAA NSW was excited to be involved in this event and to support the future of our sport. It was pleasing to see around 25 juniors come along to find out more about the safe, fun and unique sport of shooting. Presenters from SSAA NSW provided juniors and their parents with information on the shooting sports, which emphasised the importance of firearm safety, and educated them on bushcraft, hunting ethics and the many opportunities available to them once they become involved in the sport. According to David Abela, owner of Abela's Gun Shop, "days like this show me just how interested and excited our youth are about our sport and gives us hope for the future of our sport. Not to mention showing them responsible ownership of firearms, and the fun they can have". The SSAA NSW Mobile Air Rifle Range was present to provide juniors, over the age of 12, and their parents the opportunity to give the sport a go. The Shooters and Fishers Party were also on hand to man the BBQ. Diana Melham, SSAA NSW Executive Director, who presented during the seminars commented that "this was a fantastic initiative of Abela's and SSAA NSW was very pleased to have the opportunity to be involved; juniors are the future of our sport, an Olympic sport at that. Shooting is one of the fastest growing sports and SSAA NSW is always keen to play a part in educating and encouraging juniors into this safe, fun and unique sport." The juniors walked away armed with a wealth of information on the shooting sports as well as SSAA NSW showbags containing booklets and information on getting a minors permit as well as caps, pencils and stickers generously donated by SSAA Merchandise. All juniors in attendance were given the opportunity to go into the draw to win a NIOA Trading Pack Prize containing a Savage MKII 22LR Blued Synthetic Rifle Package with Scope, Federal 525 Pack of 22LR Ammo, Peltor Kid Ear Muffs, Allen Shooting Glasses and an Abela's Gun Bag. David Abela would like to thank the "outstanding support and assistance from SSAA NSW, the Mobile Range volunteers, and the S&F Party for providing the BBQ; without their help it would not have been the success it was". Junior Members are the future of our sport so they need to be encouraged and supported. If you have a junior who is interested in becoming involved in our sport contact SSAA NSW to find out more about the various programs we offer. Abela's Gun Shop Youth Day