ISRA Commends Groups for Expanding Shooting Sports Opportunities for the Handicapped

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Copyright 2002 U.S. Newswire, Inc.
U.S. Newswire


July 18, 2002 Thursday

LENGTH: 442 words

HEADLINE: Illinois State Rifle Association Commends Groups for Expanding Shooting Sports Opportunities for the Handicapped

DATELINE: CHICAGO, July 18

BODY:
The following was released today by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA):

The ISRA is commending a pair of Illinois organizations for expanding shooting sports opportunities available to handicapped Americans.

The Hines VA Hospital fielded an air rifle team at the 22nd National Veterans Wheelchair Games that were held in Cleveland, Ohio, from July 9-13. The 12-member team consisted of: Herb Benton; Terry Bowers; Calvin Cheers; Dean Cobb; Joe Cruz; Rich Ickes; Allen Jackson; Gil Jadwin; Robert Statam; Bill White; Winston Woodard and; Ken Zavis. Known as the "Windy City Rollerz," the Hines air rifle team bested a tough New York City squad and scored big in the medal rounds. Gold medals were taken by Dean Cobb, Allen Jackson, Gil Jadwin, Bill White and, Winston Woodard. Silver medallists in the air rifle competition were Terry Bowers, Robert Statam and, Ken Zavis.

"The Wheelchair Games gave our shooters an excellent opportunity to showcase their talent," said Rollerz coach Jim Vinopal. "Their success in the medal rounds is testimony to the team's hard work and dedication. The team would like to recognize the fact that this success would not be possible without all the support offered by the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The ISRA would also like to recognize the Aurora Sportsmen's Club (ASC) of Sugar Grove, Illinois. On July 13, 2002, the club sponsored the first annual Northern Illinois Shooting Sports Event for People with Disabilities. The event was held on the club's grounds and featured both archery and sporting clays competitions. Joining with the club in sponsoring the event was the Chicago chapter of Safari International, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

"I'm very pleased with the outcome of this year's event," said ASC president Ron Wilson. "It was a great kick off to something we plan to build on in the future."

"We're delighted to see the level of success enjoyed by both the Windy City Rollerz and the Aurora Sportsmen's Club," commented ISRA president Richard Pearson. "Sport shooting is highly inclusive - nearly anybody can participate and excel. The ISRA master plan calls for increased cooperation with government agencies and private organizations to bring the thrill and excitement of the shooting sports to Illinoisans of all walks of life."

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The ISRA is the state's leading advocate of safe, lawful and responsible firearms ownership. For nearly a century, the ISRA has represented the interests of over 1.5 million law-abiding Illinois gun owners.
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CONTACT: Jim Vinopal of the Illinois State Rifle Assocation, 815-635-3198 Web Site: http://www.isra.org