On the 27th June 2009, during the June holidays, my squad mate, two seniors and one of my Teacher Officers were selected to take part in the air rifle competition which was held at Presbyterian High school.
As it was not an everyday experience of holding an air rifle in our hands, we were bubbling with excitement, looking forward to the event. After registering our details upon reaching there, one of the ushers led us to the waiting area. During the waiting period, many people started to fill up the seats in no time. From their face expressions, they looked rather nervous and excited at the same time. Some were even discussing about the steps to shooting and whether which school will be awarded with the best shooter in both the boys and girls categories.
Without a moment’s delay, it was our turn now. On entering the shooting range, two of the Cadet Leaders briefed us on the safety procedures in handling the air rifle. We were given 25 pellets, 2 sighting cards and 10 target cards each before the shoot. 2 shots were also have to be made at each of the cards.
During the shoot, many of the competitors were rather confident, however some were nervous. As for me, I was recalling the steps for the shoot .As I picked the rifle up on the range officer’s command, I loaded it with the air pellets and slowly, take my fire after the aim. As some was handling with it the first time their scores did not look really pleasant but they do get lots of experience just like the first time when I was handling it, and that was one of the take away from the event.
Soon, it was prize presentation. Our school was called out to receive the first runner up in the team event and we were elated that our efforts for the shoot was well paid off. Well, I think that winning was just a reward to spur us on for the next air rifle competition and we will be looking forward to it.
Done by:
SSgt (NPCC) Joel Tan Xiong Lie
