Shooting: Funding obstacle to world championship hopes

Dunedin man Craig Cookson is one of New Zealand's highest-ranked shooters, but a lack of funding may prevent him from representing his country at the world championships in Germany.

Cookson has been left to raise the $6700 needed for the trip himself, following a cut in funding for the sport after the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

So far, he has raised $5500.

He plans to leave for Germany on July 26 for the event, which starts on July 29.

"I've been handing out flyers to a number of businesses trying to get sponsorship, just seeing whatever they're willing to offer," Cookson said.

"I've put in a little bit myself. I sold some spare ammo I had lying round, just anything to help."

The New Zealand Shooting Federation receives a minimal amount of funding, enough to cover administration costs and the running of the federation.

"It's disappointing. New Zealand's a pack of poor losers. We hate losing.

"Not being able to give money to minor sports to improve performance and increase facilities ... obviously that doesn't help.

"It is killing the sport. A lot of minor sports are going downhill because of it."

Cookson (27) said New Zealand's performances on the world stage warranted stronger support from government agencies.

"At Commonwealth Games level, we've proven that we can get medals.

"The top swimmers and cyclists get millions of dollars a year. If we got one million a year, the way shooting would change would be phenomenal.

"We don't even have a national coach. We did have, then the money dried up and we don't have one.

"I just get on and do it. I just do it for the fun of it."

Cookson ranked second among the New Zealand shooters at this years' World Cup in March but missed selection by a single qualifying point for the Commonwealth Games in India later this year.

If all goes to plan, he will compete in the 50m prone event at the world champs.

"I'm not sure how many shooters will be there, but I'm hoping to make the cut."

- Damian George