Members of Blind Using Guided Sights (BUGS) Shooting Club were delighted to welcome a very special guest to their recent meeting as decorated Olympian Helen Glover stopped by for a “money can’t buy” session.
The iSightCornwall Club won the visit by the sports star through Aldi’s Sports Bursary Competition and so Helen went along to the club, which meets at the St Austell Rifle Club, to lead the coaching session and present a £1,500 cash prize, vouchers and sports supplies.
Thrilled to meet Helen Glover
Members of the club were thrilled to meet Helen who hails from Penzance and be able to ask her questions about how she prepares for high-pressure tournaments; how it feels to compete at the Olympics; and what she’s learned during her very successful career.
Helen also got to have a go at using the specialised equipment that the club use to be able to shoot without sight. Instead the user must rely on their hearing, lining up a shot based on a high pitch noise which changes depending on how close the person is the bullseye.
The meeting ended with Helen presenting the club organisers, Adrian and Steve, with a cheque for £1,500.
Carole Theobald, iSightCornwall’s chief executive, said: “BUGS is incredibly grateful to receive the Aldi sports bursary. This funding is vital for our club’s growth, enabling us to purchase specialised equipment like sights, which will directly improve our members’ scores and range time.
“Our members, who compete nationally and dream of blind shooting becoming a Paralympic sport, are thrilled not only for the equipment but also for the opportunity to meet and be inspired by a world-class athlete. A huge thank you to Aldi for their generous support!”
Two-time Olympic rowing champion
Helen, a two-time Olympic rowing champion, said: “I am honoured to have been able to meet a team in my local area and be able to hear their stories and share my experience with them.
“I have seen first-hand how support from sponsors of Team GB and ParalympicsGB such as Aldi can provide the necessary funding to fulfil dreams and spark joy back into sporting communities.
“My local sports club was so important to me growing up; those who were part of it inspired my athletic career, and I am grateful to have been a part of this initiative to encourage that for future generations.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the club, and the members of BUGS were great and soaked up all the tips and tricks I gave them. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this much-deserved funding will have on the group.”
Aldi launched its sports bursary with Team GB and ParalympicsGB to provide coaching and funding to local teams, schools and clubs up and down the country.
