Disabled veterans compete in C.R. trapshoot

CEDAR RAPIDS - Dozens of paralyzed veterans from across the country are participating in trapshooting competitions at a Cedar Rapids sports club this weekend.

The Iowa chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America is hosting the final stop of the national organization's annual trapshooting circuit. While participants enjoy the weekend's competitive nature, some say they value the camaraderie of the event more than anything else.

Some participants, like Wisconsin resident Jim Rutledge, traveled hours to attend this year's competition at the Otter Creek Sportsmans Club, 9001 Milburn Rd. NE. He has competed in other states as well.

'It doesn't matter how you shoot. It's always fun to shoot well, but it's about the camaraderie more than anything,” he said.

The three-day event, which is open to the public, kicked off Friday with pistol shooting and will continue Saturday with singles and doubles trapshooting competitions. There will be an another trapshooting competition Sunday morning.

Trapshooting is an opportunity for paralyzed veterans to participate in a sport that doesn't require any modifications or accommodations, said Kim Gould, executive director of the organization's Iowa chapter. Plus, it's easy for people of all abilities to compete together, she said.

'Everybody's on an even playing field. No one has an advantage,” she said. 'Plus, you know, it's boys and their guns.”

Kenny Lloyd of Union, vice president of the Iowa chapter and its shooting sports director, joined the organization in 1996 after he fell from a second-story porch and broke his spinal cord.

'(We) all love doing this,” he said. 'We compete right along with the able-bodied people.”

This is the second time the Iowa chapter has hosted the year-end event and the fourth time the organization has hosted it at some point, Gould said.

A $65 fee provides registrants with ammunition and targets, Gould said, and money raised at the event stays in the state to benefit Iowa veterans.

Though Duane Frideres, who has been a member of the Iowa chapter for about 25 years, won't be shooting this weekend, he's excited to spend time with friends from around the country.

'I'm here for moral support,” he said.

l Comments: (319) 368-8542; rilyn.eischens@thegazette.com