Lonato to host first Para trap Worlds

World Shooting Para Sport has announced that Lonato, Italy, will host the first World Championships in Para trap, which will take place from 2-7 October 2018.

The shotgun specialism became an official discipline under the sport’s international federation in May 2017. The Italian town is no stranger to Para trap, having hosted the first World Cup in the discipline in September that saw 53 athletes from 14 countries compete.

Around 60 athletes from 18 countries are expected to compete at Lonato 2018, which is being organised by the Italian Shotgun Federation (FITAV).

Tyler Anderson, World Shooting Para Sport Manager, said: “We are thrilled to have the first World Championships hosted in the birthplace of Para trap. The discipline has come long way in a short amount of time, and its continued growth and development is a great sign of its popularity among our athletes.

“I am confident FITAV will be an excellent host. They were outstanding in running a smooth and successful World Cup in September, and have shown continued passion to develop Para trap.

“Lonato 2018 World Shooting Para Sport Championships will also be very important for the development of the sport, including inclusion at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.”

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, will host the first World Cup of 2018, and marks the first time Para trap will be contested alongside rifle and pistol events. The Al Ain World Cup will be an important event for athletes ahead of the 2018 World Shooting Para Sport World Championships from 1-12 May. Around 300 shooters from 60 countries will take their first chance to grab quota places for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.