Special to the Opelika Observer
Gold, silver and other precious medals were recently the reward for the Lee County 4-H Rifle Club.
The Alabama State Olympic Games were held June 20-22, with events taking place at 27 venues throughout Alabama, with over 5,000 athletes from all over the state competing in Summer Olympic style games, such as track and field, swimming, diving, gymnastics, archery and shooting sports, just to name a few.
The county 4H Rifle Club’s precision shooting sports team, known as “Team X-Caliber,” proudly represented the citizens of Opelika-Auburn, with 19 local youth ages 10-19 competing in several rifle events. Thanks partly to NRA Foundation’s support in sponsoring equipment as well as other local business donations, the club was able to accommodate everyone who wanted to participate.
With participation in Rimfire Sporter Individual Competitions, Rimfire Sporter Team Competitions and .22 Rifle Silhouette and Air Rifle Competitions, the X-Caliber team members walked away this weekend with smiles on their faces and a total of 22 gold medals, 15 silver medals and eight bronze medals. Winning an impressive 45 out of a possible 56 medals, every member of the X-Caliber team brought home at least one medal each.
June marked one year that these 4-H’ers have been practicing.
Starting off last year with gun safety, rules and regulations then moving on to BB and Air Rifle gun training, this club has now evolved into .22 Rifle training and competitions, with more to come.
With seven dedicated instructors and these talented children, there is just no telling how far this group might go in the future.