Please support Fritz get to the 2020 Paralympics

Fritz had a motorcycle accident five years ago, which left him paralysed from his stomach down. Chronic pain, health problems and hurdles that are part of the condition, prevented him from sustaining his employment.

He was first introduced to competitive air rifle shooting at a “Meet the Paralympians” event in Cambridge in 2016. He was completely hooked. It took about 19 months and $8000 to purchase his own rifle, which was shipped from Germany.

In the 90 hours he has spent training since receiving his rifle, he has been able to increase his score from 534 to a personal best of 632.2. The minimum required score to qualify for the Paralympics is 625.

Equipment is specialized and expensive. At this stage he is using a second hand jacket from the shooting club, which does not fit/support him properly. At a training camp in October, the first formal training he has received, he has shown great potential. Michael Johnson, currently four times Paralympian with a few world records, has taken an interest in Fritz and he is willing to coach him.

Air rifle shooting is relatively small and less prominent than other Paralympic sports in NZ. Unfortunately official funding is only available once the participant has proven him/herself, and has reached a certain level of accomplishment.

Fritz has a natural ability that with the proper equipment and training, could be developed into him being a strong contestant for a Paralympic medal.

If he is able to compete in Dubai in Feb 2019, it could be his first qualifying event for the 2020 Paralympics in Japan.

Steps to qualify, Two achieve a score of 625 or higher at a minimum of two World shooting competitions recognised by the Paralympics.