The Organising Committee came under heavy fire from the British Olympic Association (BOA), shooting organisations and athletes after they stated that they would not open up their free Ticketshare tickets to shooting events but they have now backed down on the issue.

"Shooting tickets are included in the Ticketshare programme," a London 2012 spokesperson told insidethegames.

"The Ticketshare programme includes a range of groups - schools, BOA/BPA and Tickets for Troops.

"There are a small number of shooting tickets in the Ticketshare programme and we planned to issue the tickets where the demand was greatest.

"Our initial consultation with schools suggested that there wasn't a demand for shooting tickets, however, if schools request shooting tickets, we will provide them, subject to availability."

The widespread rioting that hit the country earlier this month has led to fears that giving children tickets to the events would have appeared at odds with the Mayor of London Boris Johnson's bid to quell teenage gun and knife crime but Britain's top shooting Olympic medal contender Peter Wilson said such thoughts were wrong.

"At the end of the day shooting does have a bad reputation and has been given a bad reputation for all sorts of things but we are the safest sport out there," said the 24-year-old from Dorset during a BOA Media Teleconference.

"I think we have to change that public perception that shooting is actually a valid sport.

"I think there is only one way that's going to change public perception and that is if everyone is given the chance to see it for themselves and possibly even have a go themselves in a safe environment."

The BOA had backed Wilson's stance before the decision was reversed by London 2012 stating that the Olympic sport demonstrates good attitudes for children.

"The London 2012 Olympic Games is an opportunity for high performance shooting athletes to showcase their skill and talent in a controlled and safe environment," said a BOA spokeswoman.

"Shooting athletes believe in the Olympic values and can, as role models, pass on the positive message of non-violence, respect and friendship.

"As such we believe the Ticketshare programme is an excellent opportunity for the future generation of Olympic shooting hopefuls to be inspired by today's Olympians."


At the London 2012 Olympics, about 400 shooters will compete in the Games in 15 medal events across pistol, rifle and shotgun shooting.

The Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich will be the venue for the event because of its long history with the sport, while the location will also host the Paralympic shooting competition and the Paralympic archery competition.

The London 2012 shooting test event, which will be the ISSF World Cup, will take place at the Royal Artillery Barracks from April 18 - 28 next year just three months before the Olympics begin.

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