The U.S. Olympic Shooting Center, home to USA Shooting, on the U.S. Olympic Complex in Colorado Springs, is set to undergo a transformation of its 10-meter ranges that will increase event and training capabilities necessary for world-class performance.
USA Shooting has chosen Megalink to help in this effort by providing 70 electronic target systems. The Norwegian-based company is a leading producer of electronic targets in the world.
“Megalink has shown its commitment to the growth of USA Shooting in the past and is helping us invest in the future of our sport through this new agreement,” said USA Shooting CEO Robert Mitchell. “These upgrades are necessary to enhance our facility but aren’t viable without the support of companies like Megalink and the generous donors who will leave their mark on the program for years to come.”
Megalink is the overwhelming target provider for shooting ranges in the U.S. including the two Civilian Marksmanship Program ranges in Anniston, Ala., and Camp Perry, Ohio, while most of the NCAA Collegiate Rifle ranges also have Megalink targets in place.
Built in 1985, the Center is the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere and the third largest in the world and is used for elite and resident athlete training, competitions, national championships, coaching seminars, camps, committee meetings and local clubs. Three separate ranges provide 29 firing points from 50 meters and 73 firing points from 10 meters for training and competitions. It also houses the administration offices, a gunsmith room and locker rooms for resident and visiting athletes. Approximately 25 resident and day-use athletes train at the OTC during the year.
Over the years, USA Shooting has made investments in outfitting all 25-50m firing points and ten of the 10m firing points. Additionally, twenty 25m Rapid Fire and Sport Pistol targets were converted in 2010 with the help of the Shikar Safari Club.
Electronic targets are important to USA Shooting’s training programs and will not only increase the number of events held at the Olympic Shooting Center but also make competitions more efficient and spectator friendly with more accessible results. The upgrade will include replacing all 70-10m firing points with electronic target systems, upgrading the lighting system and installing state of the art technology.
Financing of the project is being made possible with contributions from USA Shooting, USA Shooting Team Foundation (USASTF) and the U.S. Olympic Committee. In addition, the Foundation has organized a campaign to help complete the final phase and bring the U.S. Shooting Center range up to world-class standards. The campaign asks donors to leave their mark on the Olympic Shooting Center by sponsoring firing points for $1,000 apiece. USA Shooting has committed to complete the final phase and upgrade by December 2013.
“USA Shooting’s sponsors, supporters and donors have been directly responsible for the USA Shooting Team’s continued success on ranges around the world,” said USASTF Executive Director Buddy DuVall. “USA Shooting is continuing to grow and develop not only its team but also to invest in the maintenance of world-class facilities like the Olympic Shooting Center. We encourage our fans and supporters to get behind this unique opportunity and to leave their mark at the Olympic Shooting Center and invest in our tradition of success.”
Image courtesy USA Shooting