By Jim Shepherd
I’ve decided I’m going to start referring to myself as a resident of Atlanta, Georgia. No, I don’t live in Atlanta, nor Georgia. But I’m using “Atlanta” by “International Olympic Committee” measurement standards.
The IOC says the 2024 Olympic shooting competitions are being held in Paris, France.
They’re decidedly not in Paris. The shooting venue is three hours outside Paris.
That means shooting athletes won’t be staying in the Olympic village. Consequently, the housing, feeding, security and transporting of said athletes -being outside the considerable housing and security accommodations of the Olympic village – will be the responsibilities of the respective competing teams.
That, FYI, is for both the Olympic and Paralympic Teams.
For our USA Shooting team…that’s a considerable financial burden. Unlike other nation’s national teams, U.S.A. Shooting receives no funding from the government. In fact, the sport that has collected the most medals in the past few Olympic Games gets no government support.
This Krieghoff K-32 – in a four barrel set – will be the first item to go under the hammer in RIAC’s May Premier Auction. All proceeds will go to help USA Shooting cover the costs of the 2024 “Paris” Olympic competitions. Screenshot from RIAC auction site.
Next month, Rock Island Auction Company is doing its part to help during their May Premier Auction. The very first item to be auctioned will be an engraved and gold inlaid Krieghoff K-32 over/under shotgun and its four-barrel set. The proceeds will go – 100%- to support USA Shooting at the 2024 Paris Olympics/Paralympics.
“We hope the proceeds of this fantastic Krieghoff help those athletes overcome their logistical challenge,” says Rock Island’s Kevin Hogan, “and focus on what they do best – representing the United States and finding their way to the podium.”
It only takes something on the order of three hours to get from Paris to the shooting venues in Chateauroux Shooting Centre. Hardly “in the heart of it all” for shooting athletes.
The Chateauroux Shooting Centre is located in the City of Chateauroux and, according is “Two hours and 15 minutes by train” from Paris. An early morning (5:18am) train from Paris Austerlitz will deliver people to the train station where shuttle buses will then take them to the Shooting Centre, “allowing you to enjoy the shooting sessions with peace of mind.”
After the 2024 Games, we’re told, the Chateauroux Shooting Centre will become the official international shooting venue for France.
If you’re planning on attending the shooting events, you might save quite a bundle by flying directly to Chateauroux. From there, you can day trip into Paris for some sightseeing.
We’re planning on attending – and, as always, we’ll keep you posted.
This article originally appeared on The Outdoor Wire.