British Shooting and Disability Shooting Great Britain (DSGB) are delighted to announce the imminent transfer of the Paralympic World Class Programme to British Shooting.
From 1st April 2017, both the Olympic and Paralympic world class programmes will operate under the same organisation bringing greater scope for collaboration, integration and even more progress than has been achieved in recent years.
With the support of UK Sport, the two organisations have been working closely for some months to bring about a smooth transition. With the onset of the new Olympic and Paralympic cycles, the timing couldn’t be better to take target shooting to the next level. UK Sport has announced two funding awards to British Shooting for the period 2017-2021 with awards specifically for the Olympic and Paralympic programmes.
John Harris, Chairman of British Shooting, welcomed the move, stating: “I am personally delighted to welcome our colleagues from DSGB into British Shooting.
"We have made huge strides over the last four years in terms of the governance of British Shooting and this move represents a logical and timely progression. More importantly, I really do feel that both world class programmes can share knowledge and experience for mutual benefit, such that we can embark on the Tokyo cycle with genuine expectation of improvement, and ultimately, medal success.
"I would also like to give credit to the DSGB for its stewardship of the Paralympic programme in recent years.”
Pasan Kularatne, Performance Director (Paralympic), welcomed the move, saying: "I am very pleased that the Paralympic World Class Programme will be joining British Shooting. With our combined knowledge, experience and desire to succeed, both programmes will be in a stronger position to contend for medals in Tokyo.
"I would like to acknowledge the tireless support over many years from DSGB that have enabled the Programme to reach this level. We look forward to the next step in our journey."
Hamish McInnes, CEO, said: “I can’t wait to welcome Pasan and his team into British Shooting, and we are genuinely excited by the opportunities this move affords us.
"I am sure that our world class programmes will continue to go from strength to strength under Steven Seligmann and Pasan Kularatne, and that we can also enhance the pathway development underpinning our Olympic and Paralympic aspirations for years to come."