Uckfield-based company TR Fastenings has announced that it will be sponsoring champion shooter and disabled sportsperson Mick Kirby in clay pigeon shooting competitions across the UK and internationally during 2015 and 2016.
After suffering a serious stroke eight years ago, Mick lost the practical use of his left arm. However, this did not deter him from re-igniting his passion for shooting and achieving competitive success.
Naturally left-handed, Mick had to retrain to shoot with his right arm. Thanks to his sheer determination, Mick overcame this physical setback and now shoots competitively on the national and international circuits, and hopes to compete in the USA next year. Despite being a fraction slower than other shots Mick has chosen not to have any allowances made for speed in competitions, and has gone on to win first, second and third places against able-bodied shots in Class C competitions.
A new perspective
In 2009 Mick contacted Sportability, a charity that provides sport and challenging pursuits for people with paralysis. Mick said, “I am so grateful to the charity for helping me to access different physical activities and giving me the confidence to return to participative sport. Thank you also to Disabled Clay Target Shooting GB for enabling me to pursue my love of skeet shooting.”
Chief executive of Sportability David Heard said, “When Mick Kirby came to the first Sportability shooting event he was hesitant and perhaps even a bit reluctant to be involved. Having had a stroke and being left partially paralysed, his apprehension was easy to understand. However, with some adjustments to his stance and some support he was able to not only shoot, but found he was actually quite good at it. This was the beginning of a whole new adventure. Mick now shoots in competitions throughout the UK and even Europe and has become a champion shooter. He has vividly demonstrated taking the ‘dis’ out of disability and become a formidable sports person. We are proud to be associated with Mick.”
Geoff Budd, TR’s managing director, also commented: “Mick is a true inspiration and TR is delighted to be supporting such a talented and resilient individual. His positivity and achievements are a lesson to all of us that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. We wish him continued success.”
I am a double leg amputee I used to shoot clay with friends at club doubles what ever the machine threw at me I could hit also pistol quick draw won there also. But clay pigeon skeet shotgun rifle whatever. I had ankle surgery. And caught staph MRSA it ravaged my body and I lost one leg just below my knee and other leg my right leg way above knee transfemoral. Right leg is predominantly leg im trying to learn to walk i have espstos lungs. FIBERMYAGIA and sever carpal tunnel in both arms hands. Spinal fusion that is damaged in three places broken however I want to compete again yet after 34years of being a auto tech and last 8 at stanford university I can no longer afford guns clay shooter cases of clay official vest when legs are on or vest when in wheel chair I also want to compete in paraolympics last few years in hospital that’s all I thought of