alt Cyprus will host the 2012 European Shooting Games in the build-up to the London Olympics, it was announced today.

 

The event was successfully held in Cyprus back in 2004 and 2008 just before the Athens and Beijing Olympics.

 

The decision was taken by the General Assembly of the European Shooting Confederation (ESC), which met in Osijek, Croatia.

 

Larnaca had to compete with France and Finland, which also bid to host the event.

 

Cyprus secured 45 of the votes, Finland 30 and France 11.

 

There was some consolation for Finland when the 2012 10 metre rifle, pistol and running target event was awarded to Vierumaki.

 

The 2013 edition will be held in Aarhus in Denmark, the ESC decided.

 

Also awarded was the 50m, 25m and running target championships for juniors in 2012 which was given to Bologna.