SHOWING world-class form, the Philippine squad amassed a whopping 63 medals, almost half of which were gold, in the Handgun Championships in New Zealand recently.
The Filipino shooters also captured 22 silver and 11 bronze medals in a triumphant campaign lauded by UNA senatorial bet Rep. Jack Enrile, who predicted more glory for practical shooting in the coming years.
The event, which drew a heavy field of 750 participants from 25 countries, was organized by the Australian International Practical Shooting Confederation.
As founder of the Philippine Practical Shooting Association, Enrile also hopes that the organization continues to foster responsible gun ownership among Filipinos.
Enrile noted the PPSA-sanctioned shooting competitions in the country honed up the competitive skills of Filipino sports shooters.
The PPSA, which Enrile founded in 1982, now has 3,000 members from an initial 60. The organization has produced world champions in Athena Lee and Jethro Dionisio.
“The PPSA has brought the sport in the country to world standards and this is very evident with our medal haul in New Zealand,” said Enrile. “All of this has been accomplished without fanfare and government funding.” Cedelf P. Tupas