Shooting sets 11 local, international tilts

MANILA—Philippine National Shooting Association president Mikee Romero has laid out a packed program for the country’s shooters.

Eleven local and international tournaments are lined up this year, highlighted by the Philippine International Shotgun Open in December where at least 15 countries are expected to compete.

“Exposure is the key to developing future Olympians,” said Romero, the Harbour Centre CEO who replaced long-time president Art Macapagal last month.

Romero said the PNSA also aims to promote shooting as a varsity sport with the inaugural staging of the Philippine Collegiate Shooting Championship in September.

“The tournament is open to all colleges and universities,” PNSA executive director Larry Paredes said during yesterday’s PSA Forum presented by Smart, Shakey’s, Pagcor and Outlast Battery at Shakey’s UN Avenue.

Veteran shooter Tac Padilla, who will spearhead the country’s campaign in the Southeast Asian Games this November, heads the national youth shooting program.

“The goal is to create awareness and develop as many shooters as possible,” said Romero.

The calendar kicks off with a rifle tournament in Taytay, Rizal, in August.

“We want people to understand all the disciplines of shooting,” said Romero, who was joined in the forum by shooter Gay Corral and executive assistant Erick Arejola.

In October, on tap are the Philippine National Open, the Asian Shooting Conference and the Asian Airgun Championship in Kuwait.