CMP Set to Welcome Competitors to the 2012 CMP National Trophy and CMP Games Matches

CAMP PERRY, OHIO - The CMP National Trophy Matches are set to begin on 9 July, with the First Shot Ceremony and Pistol Small Arms Firing School. The official program and registration information for the CMP National Trophy and CMP Games Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio, are posted on the CMP website at http://www.thecmp.org/NM.htm.

The colorful First Shot Ceremony will be held on Monday, 9 July, at 10:00 AM with a Military Band Concert starting at 9:30 AM. This year’s First Shot Speaker, LTG William E. Ingram Jr., Director Army National Guard, has the honor of firing the First Shot to officially open the 2012 National Matches. Dignitaries from the CMP, National Guard, NRA, all branches of the armed forces and government representatives will be on hand. Public viewing from bleacher seating is open to the public and encouraged. Fanfare including a color guard, a military band and a military combat maneuver from the Ohio Air National Guard make for an exciting opening to the Matches.

CMP Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Orest Michaels says, “The CMP is geared up to welcome our 2012 National Match competitors, visitors, volunteers and guests to Camp Perry. Our staff has worked hard preparing for the matches and plan to make 2012 the best National Matches yet.”

Camp Perry has been the home for the National Matches since 1907. Since then, 86 National Matches have been conducted. The National Matches are conducted by a partnership between the CMP, NRA and Ohio National Guard. The National Matches are open to the public and visitors can stop by the National Matches Welcome Center, Building 3, at Camp Perry throughout the matches for information.

If you are just getting started into shooting sports or are a seasoned shooter, plan to attend the Small Arms Firing Schools. The Pistol SAFS will be held on Monday, 9 July, and Rifle SAFS will be held on Saturday, 28 July - Sunday, 29 July. The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit provides top-class classroom instruction for all SAFS participants and military members provide hands-on training on the range. Pistols and rifles along with ammo are provided during the school. For more information, visit http://www.thecmp.org/NM/SAFS.htm.

The indoor, air conditioned CMP Marksmanship Center will also host several NM Air Gun Events throughout the National Matches. The CMP Marksmanship Center is open to the public and visitors may rent an air rifle or air pistol for a small fee. All visitors must watch a safety video prior to firing on the range and Range Officers are available to assist shooters. The CMP Marksmanship Center is also equipped with 80 Mega-Link electronic targets that provide instant feedback.

This year’s National Match competitors will enjoy the newly rebuilt Rodriguez Range berm and target pits. The State of Ohio hired local contractors to rebuild the Ohio National Guard’s 100-year-old range this past winter. The CMP purchased and installed a new speaker system in the pits.

The 2012 National Match events are listed below:

2012 CMP National Trophy Matches Events:
9 July: First Shot Ceremony
9 July: Pistol Small Arms Firing School
9 July - 4 August: NM Air Gun Events
10 July: Warm-up Pistol Match
15 July: National Trophy Pistol Matches
22 July National Rimfire Sporter Match
27-29 July Rifle Small Arms Firing School
30 July – 3 August National Trophy Rifle Matches
1-4 August CMP Games Rifle Matches

2012 NRA Rifle and Pistol Championships:
10-14 July NRA National Pistol Championship
18-26 July NRA National Smallbore Rifle Championships
5-15 August NRA National Highpower Rifle Championships

For more information, contact the Civilian Marksmanship Program at 419-635-2141 or email info@odcmp.com. We look forward to welcoming you to the 2012 National Matches at Camp Perry!

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