Overnight, the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) submitted an Expression of Interest to the Victorian Government and Commonwealth Games Federation for consideration of the inclusion of Shooting in the 2026 Commonwealth Games program under the Phase 2 intake of sports.
In preparing the submission, the ISSF received strong support from the World Shooting Para Sports (WSPS), the International Confederation of Full-Bore Rifle Associations (ICFRA), and the Commonwealth Shooting Federation (CSF). The City of Greater Bendigo, as the identified best fit hub to host the Shooting program in 2026, was also a key supporter throughout the process and identified the best possible options for the hosting of the Shooting program throughout Bendigo City and the nearby regional town of Echuca.
Shooting Australia wholly supported the ISSF’s submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) and committed to ensuring Shooting is given the best possible chance of being included in the 2026 program. Chief Executive Officer Adam Sachs says ‘Shooting Australia is grateful for the opportunity to work closely with the ISSF, it’s member organisations and other key stakeholders towards the development of Shootings EOI. We believe the EOI strongly aligns with the objectives and requirements of the CGF and Games’ Host. This has been a long and complex process which has been very different to previous Commonwealth Games experiences.’
Throughout the process which saw a significant commitment from key stakeholders, Sachs says ‘There has been fantastic engagement from a diverse range of people and organisations at local, state, national and international levels. The unified support for Shooting’s inclusion in the VIC 2026 Commonwealth Games indicates the importance of this event to our sport and is evidence of the commitment that Shooting will bring to the successful planning and delivery in 2026.’
With Shooting’s long history of involvement in the Commonwealth Games and the outstanding contribution the Australian Teams have made to the success of previous editions of the Games, Sachs says ‘We are excited about the opportunity to play our part in Australia’s successes at a home games. The synergies between the Vic Government’s regional focus for the Games and Shooting’s strong presence across regional Victoria means that our sport can play a significant role in promoting engagement and enhancing the success of the Games.’
The Victorian Government and Commonwealth Games Federation are expected to make the decision on the additional sports to be added to the 2026 Commonwealth Games program by October, 2022.
