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Samantha Chigogo Harare Bureau
The annual President’s Medal Shoot final competition got underway yesterday at Cleveland Rifle Range with over 200 participants expected to participate in the event.

The competition, being held under the theme “Sharpening marksmanship skills in defence of national sovereignty and socio-economic development”, will run until September 10.

This year the Zimbabwe National Army is hosting the event.

Officially opening the shoot, Brigadier-General Ronnie Mutizhi, who is responsible for army training, said the competition was key to gauge the shooting standards of the country’s security organisations with a view to improving them.

“This competition provides President Mugabe with a better opportunity to personally assess the general shooting standards of the Defence Forces as well as other security forces and civilian clubs,” he said.

“Participation in this edition should be proof that our armed forces are true ambassadors of their various organisations, formations and units.

“Peace is a primary source in the development of our nation and with sound peace guarding policies we’re all urged to jealously guard our hard-won independence and to give it meaning by focusing on socio-economic development for the improved lives of our people.”

He commended the high turnout of female participants.

“This year’s results for the eliminations were much more significant compared to the previous shoots where most of the female teams failed to secure qualifying pass marks of the various matches that were conducted,” said Mutizhi.

“You’re also encouraged to field new firers in all shooting competitions because it’s the only avenue for tapping raw talent from junior members.

“The syndrome of repeatedly fielding the same aged contestants denies other potential marksmen an opportunity to exhibit their skills.”

Members of the uniformed forces, the President’s Office, war veterans, civilians and security companies take part in the event.