2018 is a special year for the DCRA being its 150th Anniversary and I am delighted and honoured to be leading the Great Britain Team to Canada this year. I find it particularly impressive that the DCRA was founded only one year after the creation of the nation of Canada, surely making the DCRA one of the oldest sporting bodies in the country. Interestingly the DCRA is only five years younger than the English Football Association, three years older than the Rugby Football Union and over 100 years older than the Toronto Blue Jays. Congratulations to the DCRA on this milestone and good luck for the next 150.
I have always found the challenge of international team competition the most exciting and compelling aspect of rifle shooting and I am delighted that we shall compete in the America match at Connaught this year in what I’m sure will be a fiercely contested and close fought match conducted in the highest traditions of our sport.
We know the challenges we face on the range and so the team selected has a strong core of international experience, with many Palma and Kolapore caps, and also boasts three captains of GB Palma Teams (including 2019). I’m particularly pleased that we have six new GB caps within the team spanning an age range from 20’s to 60’s, clearly demonstrating age is no barrier to success in Target Rifle Shooting. I know that they, like me, will form many friendships in Canada that will last a lifetime.
Tours such as this do not just happen, they require a great deal of hard work and I’m indebted to my very able officers, John Stevens (Vice-Captain) and Martin Liversage (Adjutant) who are doing sterling work in planning and preparing. I also want to thank our sponsors who have contributed significantly to making the tour possible, the National Rifle Association for their continued support and most importantly to our families who always make the biggest sacrifice to enable us to pursue our chosen sport.
John Warburton
Captain, Great Britain Rifle Team, Canada 2018