Team Kenya representing at the IDPA global shooting championships

Geoffrey Pesa Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) expert in action. PHOTO:[Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

After a successful completion of the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) African championships at the Kirigiti shooting Range, Team Kenya has now proceeded to the United States for the much anticipated US National championships - which are the global shooting championships.

The Tier 5 match presented by Beretta kicks off on September 22nd-25th, 2021 at the Cameo Shooting and Education Complex in Palisade, Colorado USA.

Team Kenya comprises of five members who have already landed in the United States and embarked on familiarizing themselves with the environment and terrain of the venue as they practice ahead of the global fete.

The members who include Master Eric Wachira - ESP MA, Master Sammy Onyango- ESP MA, Geoffrey Pesa - PCC EX, Paul Maina - SSP SS, Peter Njoroge - CCP SS and John Njenga - SSP will be battling it out on 18 stages with a minimum of 274 rounds.

In 2020, the National Championship which is usually the highlight of the IDPA year was scheduled to take place in September 23-26 but was postponed to September 22 – 25, 2021 because of the covid19 pandemic.

According to the IDPA executive director Joyce Wilson, several factors including the health and welfare of the participants, travel bans and sponsors pulling out of the tournament informed the decision to postpone the global fete.

Team Kenya’s IDPA-NGAO-Kenya members pose for a group photo at JKIA [File, Standard]

“The Cameo Shooting and Education Complex is an amazing facility, and we are looking forward to seeing you there,” said the officials.

“We are very excited to be working with Seth Hayden who will serve as the match director. Assisting him in the assistant match director role is Noel Gardner, Frank Strong, and Marty Johnson.”

The IDPA Nationals and World championship matches are usually open to IDPA members with a classification of marksman or higher.