I have a fundamental issue with this. In my opinion showing the kids of London that firearms are meant to be used in a safe environment and giving them an insight into a sport they probably didn't know existed. I think that there is a much bigger chance that sending kids to watch martial arts competitions will lead to them bringing violence into the schoolyard then watching a shooting competition. I myself have followed shooting sports for most of my life and have recently taken up the sport. It teaches kids discipline, concentration and the importance of having confidence in your skills.I know people have supported this, but I think that many people shy away from everything related to firearms when in reality the sport could help bring forward a discussion in families about how this is where firearms should be used.
Taking a look to Norway where shooting sports are the second biggest sport in the number of practicing people there is almost never any use of firearms in conflicts. There is an open debate about firearms and no stigma against those that choose to compete in the sport. After incidences of firearms being used in conflicts the shooting clubs are the first to speak up for even stricter regulation of who can own firearms.
Before you leave a comment about how I couldn't possibly know the hurt of lsoing anyone to firearm related crime and the damage that firearms can do I can share that I lost a good friend in the Utøya massacre on the 22nd of July 2011 and had other frieds that barely got away alive. I still believe that showing kids and adults shooting sports is a good thing and not a bad thing because it makes discussions and teaches safety.
If you are in London for the Olympics or at home take a look at shooting sports and don't be afraid to watch it with people of all ages.
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