The following update come to NRAblog.com from Vanessa Warner, Manager of NRA Disabled Shooting Services:

Saturday January 31, 2009 - After the safety briefing was given by Sam Richardson the competitors reported to the line at 9am for the first of three stages of fire of the inaugural Disabled Indoor Air Rifle Sectional Championship match hosted by the Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham, AL.

Each stage of fire was 40 minutes followed by a target change and the shooters were back to work. Competitors shot at a total of six targets – two per stage – with a possible score of 600 for the day. At the conclusion of the match, competitors waited anxiously as the scores were tallied. Prior to announcing the scores competitors were given a challenge period in which they were permitted to challenge the scores on their targets. Two competitors challenged: one won, one lost.

Prior to the award ceremony, Vanessa Warner, Manager of Disabled Shooting Services in recognition of her efforts for organizing the match, presented Patty Cornelius with a special plaque. Both the Lakeshore Foundation and the NRA gave awards for SH1 and SH2 classes and the NRA provided medals for the first, second, and third place match winners.

David Blevins claimed third place with a score of 551. In second was John Powell with a 560. Congratulations to match winner Barbaro Ponce, who finished seven points ahead of Powell with a score of 567. Ponce is also now National Record holder as this match has never been shot before.

Thanks to match sponsor Patty Cornelius and Lakeshore Foundation for hosting such a fantastic match and special thanks to Sam Richardson, Destry, Grant and Jonathan for your time and assistance. The event was flawless!

To learn more, visit the NRA Disabled Shooting Services website.