Beretta and Eley Hawk have been announced as the official sponsors of the Sir Jackie Stewart Challenge, which takes place in June (Friday 17) at Thirlestane Castle in the Scottish Borders and is being held in aid of Race Against Dementia.
Sir Jackie Stewart OBE was an Olympic class shot and competed for Scotland in the Sixties, winning the Coupe De Nations twice – the British and Mediterranean Championships. Originally sponsored by Beretta and Eley Hawk, Sir Jackie won championships across the UK, as well as the British Grand Prix of Shooting. Sir Jackie retired from competitive shooting at 23 before taking up motor racing.
Race Against Dementia is a global charity, founded by Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, that raises money to fund breakthrough and innovative research to find a cure for the disease. Dementia affects over 50 million people across the globe including Sir Jackie’s wife, Helen.
The event will be closed to the public and will host 120 participants on Friday 17 June. It is organised by the Scottish Clay Target Association (SCTA), which is the governing body for shooting in Scotland. The Challenge will be a ‘Down the Line’ competition – chosen by Sir Jackie as he won the Scottish Championships twice in this discipline back in 1959 and 1961.
Sir Jackie comments: “Shooting is a sport that has always been extremely close to my heart and both Beretta and Eley Hawk have played a key role in my journey and success. Three generations on, my grandsons are still using their products continuing our family’s close relationship with the brands. Their invaluable and welcome support will play a vital role in making this special event at Thirlestane a significant fundraiser in the race to find a cure for dementia.”
Franco Gussalli Beretta, President & CEO Fabbrica d’Armi P. Beretta:“A deep and personal bond is the foundation of the friendship between Sir Jackie Stewart and the Beretta family. Over many decades my father, Cav Ugo Gussalli Beretta, and I shared a mutual vision with Sir Jackie. Above all this has been a passion for clay shooting, a sport which my father and Sir Jackie have helped to promote and grow.
“This partnership started 50 years ago. Being able to support Sir Jackie in his project for such a noble cause is a real honour for us. Supporting this charity and helping those in need – it has always been a matter of honour.”
Rodrigo Crespo, Managing Director at Eley Hawk Ltd:“We are thrilled to be able to support this event in aid of Race Against Dementia. Jackie Stewart and Eley Hawk have had a relationship since Jackie’s clay shooting careers’ inception and we are thrilled to continue to work with him at this event.
“Our Eley Hawk team of shooters are very much looking forward to a great day and an event that will raise important funds for the charity.”
For those looking to enter the Sir Jackie Stewart Challenge:
- All levels of ability are welcome as each shooter is competing in their own class.
- The shoot will be over four layouts each of 25 targets to make up 100 targets in total.
- Each shooter will shoot in their SCTA or home association class if from outside Scotland, these are AA, A, B & C.
- Classes are based on the shooter’s previous scores, averaged, and grouped against all scores.
Competition prizes include a Beretta 694 shotgun for the ‘High Gun’ of the competition and Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon shotguns for each of the four class winners. Additional Eley Hawk prizes to be confirmed.
To register for the Sir Jackie Stewart Challenge email administrator@scta.co.ukor call 07776 256539.
The event takes place ahead of the Sir Jackie Stewart Classic, (Saturday 18 June) a festival of motoring at Thirlestane Castle, presented by Rolex.
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