Maragon Ruimsig pupil, Hermanus van Staden recently competed in the Gauteng Schools’ Regional Air Rifle Target Shooting Competition.
Various schools, such as Hoërskool Linden, Hoërskool Randburg and Parktown Boys High School among others, competed in different classes in the competition on 20 and 21 May.
Van Staden achieved first place in the event and walked away with other accolades. He received silver in the three precision (3P) air rifle precision and gold for the 10m air rifle precision, where he achieved a personal best. Precision air rifle shooting is modeled after Olympic-style shooting and allows the use of specialised target rifles and equipment.
“I’m very pleased achieving my personal best (PB) scores. I’m aiming to better my PB scores at the next SAARA (South African Air Rifle Association) open event that will take place in Gauteng,” said Van Staden.
He also received two Minimum Qualified Score (MQS) badges for both his 10m and 3P disciplines for achieving a minimum of two MQS scores for two Gauteng leagues in which he has competed. These badges represent the first round in qualifying for Gauteng provincial colours.
Van Staden receives his training at Linden Hoërskool Skyfskietklub, since Hoërskool Linden is an affiliated member to both the Gauteng Schools Shooting Union and Gauteng Target Rifle Association bodies.
While he is not competing in the Gauteng leagues, Van Staden shoots for the Durban Deep Air Rifle Club and competes against the category for men of all ages. He obtained two first places and one second place in the 10m discipline in all three Durban Deep Club matches competed to date.
Details: Maragon Ruimsig, ruimsig@maragon.co.za or 011 958 0707.
