SHOOTERS AIM COMPETITION IN BALI

PRESS RELEASE – The Marianas Practical Shooting Association (MPSA) achieved a significant milestone as its members participated for the first time in a major international competition. Eight MPSA competitors and two Range Officers took part in the prestigious 2024 Australasian Handgun and PCC Championships, held in Bali, Indonesia from August 19 to September 1, 2024. 

The event, sanctioned by the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) as a Level 4 championship match, attracted over 750 participants from 37 IPSC regions in the  Handgun Discipline. This marks the first IPSC Level 4 match attended by MPSA competitors, representing a significant step up from their previous experience in Level 3 competitions in  the Philippines. 

Deborah Reyes, President of MPSA, stated, “This competition was a new and exciting  challenge for our team. Our primary request to our competitors was to shoot safely, have fun, and avoid disqualification. They met all these goals admirably, showcasing the skill and sportsmanship of Guam’s shooting community on an international stage.” 

Key Highlights: 

– MPSA competitors participated in the Production Optics and Open Divisions. 

– Two MPSA Range Officers were part of the international officiating team, consisting of over  100 Range Officers from different countries.

– All MPSA competitors successfully completed the match without disqualification, a notable  achievement given that several competitors from other regions were disqualified for rule  infringements. 

– MPSA members forged new friendships, created lasting memories with their families, and  paved the way for future MPSA participation in international events. 

Notable Performances: 

– In the Open Division, Ronnie Alfonso led the MPSA team, finishing 78th overall with  73.56% of the top score. 

– In the Production Optics Division, Ryan Unpingco represented MPSA, finishing 146th  overall with 50.48% of the top score. 

The full results for the Guam team are as follows: 

Open Division

– Ronnie Alfonso: 78th overall (1,481.32 points) 

– Peter De Padua: 116th overall (1,321.18 points) 

– Christian Caballero: 154th overall (1,146.71 points) 

– Christian Taitano: 174th overall (942.55 points) 

– Ronald Taitano: 176th overall (892.58 points) 

– Deborah Reyes: 177th overall (876.76 points) 

– Rosary De Padua: 184th overall (725.63 points) 

– Jean Diras: 194th overall (348.39 points) 

Production Optics Division

– Ryan Unpingco: 146th overall (1,059.10 points) 

“Most importantly, our members forged new, lifelong friendships and made lasting  memories with their families who joined them in Bali,” added Peter De Padua, Director of the Guam National Range Officers Institute. “This experience has paved the way for future MPSA members to experience the benefits of IPSC participation at the highest levels.” 

The MPSA’s participation in this high-profile event is expected to boost interest in practical  shooting in the Mariana Islands and inspire more local shooters to pursue excellence in the sport. Each competitor funded their travel expenses, including purchasing competitor slots. The association hopes this successful debut will attract potential sponsors to support future  international competitions.

For more information about the Marianas Practical Shooting Association and its activities, please contact: Philip Santos +1 (671) 898-8912 or email at bod@islandshooters.com. 

About MPSA 

The Marianas Practical Shooting Association is the accepted and acknowledged national controlling entity of the sport of “Practical Shooting” in Guam. It is an affiliate of the International Practical Shooting Confederation. The National Range Officers Institute certifies Range Officers under the guidance and authority of the International Range Officers Association. 

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