On November 14th, 2019, on a shooting range in Valle Aniene in Rome, the first in history friendly match between Russian and Italian national teams in para trap shooting took place.
The Russian and Italian formed mixed teams which included representatives of all 3 categories of shooters with physical challenges: wheelchair invalids, sportsmen with upper and lower body lesions.
The winners of the tournament were a mixed team of Tatarstan’s Alexander Sakharnov and Saverio Cuciti, a vice world champion in para trap shooting.
The second place was taken by a team with a sportsman from Penza, Andrey Petrunin. Together with him, the silver medals were taken by Yuriy Rudnev from Kaluga and Danilo Palamini (Lonato del Garda).
The bronze was awarded to Vladimir Kasyanov (Moscow), Rafaele Talamo (Rome), and Daniele Parrettini (Castiglione del Lago).
“It is a colossal experience! To compete with eminent shooters who possess the experience and results. And for me, it is the first time. So, I’ll try my best at such a level. I’ll try and make an effort”, said Andrey Petrunin before the competition in his interview to TV BRICS.
Competitions in para trap shooting are established for sportsmen with lesions of the locomotor apparatus, upper and lower body.
Sportsmen shoot smooth-bore shotguns weighing 3,5 kilos at trap targets. They are launched from a trench different ways from the shooter randomly. This sport is young. It was founded by the Italians.
In Russia, it was officially recognized only this autumn. Now, Russian para trap shooters can hold tournaments and represent their country at international competitions.
