Prestigious ‘Spirit of Hope’ Award Recipient Michael Peterson to Participate In 30th Anniversary 2009 NRA Bianchi Cup
COLUMBIA, MO – -(AmmoLand.com)- Grammy and CMA award nominee Michael Peterson will participate with the world’s best pistol competitors in the NRA National Action Pistol Championship, also known as the NRA Bianchi Cup, in Columbia, Missouri, May 18-23, 2009.
Peterson, whose #1 hits include such country music standards as “Drink Swear Steal & Lie” and “From Here To Eternity” expressed his excitement at the invitation and his unwavering support for the Second Amendment. Peterson, who spent time shooting this past spring with Olympic medal winners from the U.S. Army shooting team, laughed and said he is probably more accurate with a song than a firearm.
“NRA Bianchi Cup offers a rare, inside look at how the pros do it. This experience helps us all gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art and beauty of shooting sports. I can hardly wait!” Peterson said. The top-selling country music star is passionate about his music, shooting, and giving back to the community.
His tireless dedication and contribution to the troops of the United States Armed Forces, the USO and the U.S. Army recently announced Peterson as the recipient of the 2007 Bob Hope ‘Spirit of Hope’ Award. Past winners of the award include U.S. Senators Strom Thurmond and Daniel K. Inouye, CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite, the Country Music Association and former astronaut John Glenn.
Peterson plans to use his Sig Sauer and Safariland Holster at the match. “I wanted to get something new and innovative to practice & compete with,” he said. “I am grateful to Sig Sauer and Safariland for their generous support, and I am looking forward to being with fellow members of the NRA and shooting community.”
“We are proud to welcome Michael to the Championship as he is another example of an entertainer with a busy career who maintains an interest in competitive shooting,” NRA Bianchi Cup Coordinator Tom Hughes said. “The NRA gives people from all professions and age groups an opportunity to compete. We welcome Michael and others in the entertainment industry to attend the Bianchi Cup and compete with the finest pistol competitors in the world.”
Since its inception in 1979, the NRA Bianchi Cup has retained its original course of fire, consisting of four matches: Practical, Barricade, Moving Target and Falling Plates. Speed and accuracy is the key to winning the Championship. Each event is timed and is worth 480 points, equaling a total of 1920 possible points.
Action pistol competitors are permitted to use a two-handed grip, and competitors must start with their guns holstered. During the course of the matches, participants fire at turning cardboard silhouette targets, moving targets, and steel plates that must be knocked down to count as a hit. This type of competition makes the match more appealing to spectators.
The NRA National Action Pistol Championship is a money-winning event. For his victory in 2008, Doug Koenig took home the 2008 Bianchi Cup trophy, plus total cash awards of over $8,000. Robert Vadasz’s Metallic Sight win netted him over $5,000.
This announcement comes in anticipation of many enhancements to the NRA Bianchi Cup as the Association prepares for the 30th Anniversary celebration in 2009. For more information about Michael Peterson, visit www.michaelpetersonmusic.com.
For more information on the championship, or on the NRA Action Shooting Program, call Tom Hughes at (703) 267-1478, or send an email message to [email protected].