Our business history
History of the USA Veterans Rifle Team
The first Veterans Rifle Team match was the brainchild of Scotty
Nicholas of New Zealand, who was also the Captain of their team in
1999. He also came up with the trophy. The trophy is made from a
very unique piece of tree trunk that is indigenous to New Zealand
and the piece was hand selected for the Veterans Rifle Team trophy.
The winner of the trophy has the country's name on a brass plaque on
the back of the trophy.
The US Veterans Rifle Team was presented a special plaque
commemorating the USA win in 1999. This plaque was presented to Mr.
Gil Gilchrist, Director, Competitions Division, USA National Rifle
Association, to be placed on display at the NRA headquarters. The
first Veterans Rifle team match was held in 1995. It was also said
that the Australian Veterans Team had won the trophy twice, the
third match was the one the USA Veterans Rifle Team won in South
Africa, 1999.
The 1999 USA Veterans Team was the first official USA Veterans Rifle
Team ever to represent the United States. The South African World
Championship allowed a 14-member veterans team; however, we had only
10 members on the team. To be considered a "Veteran" team
members must be 60 years of age, or older during the year of the
competition.
There were 5 countries competing in the 1999 match: Great Britain,
Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and the USA. The ranges fired
were 300, 600, 900 and 1000 yards. Over two days. Scores of the
medal winners were: Gold, USA 3813-251X, Silver, South Africa
3782-231X, Bronze, Australia 3752-217X.
The Captains of all participating teams make up the World Veterans
Council and decide where the next match will be held as well as make
other executive decisions. The matches are to be held every two
years. In the years that include the World Palma Team Championships,
the Veterans Team World Championship will be held at the same venue.
At the two-year interval between World Palma Team Championships, the
matches will be held at a host country decided by the World Veterans
Council.
Use the buttons on the left to review pictures, and results from
past teams.
