London 2012 Olympics: Locog Reverses Ban on Schoolchildren Getting Free Shooting Tickets

Published on August 26, 2011
Duration: 15:19

This video discusses the controversy surrounding the exclusion of shooting sports from a ticket giveaway for schoolchildren at the London 2012 Olympics. Matt Rutherford of Shoot Clay UK explains how the story broke and the community's reaction. He highlights the perceived unfairness and illogical nature of excluding sports like trap, skeet, pistol, and rifle shooting, while including sports with weapon components like modern pentathlon. The discussion also touches upon the UK's gun control landscape and the broader issue of gun crime versus sport shooting.

Quick Summary

The London 2012 Olympics initially excluded shooting sports from a ticket giveaway for schoolchildren, sparking criticism. Matt Rutherford of Shoot Clay UK highlighted the perceived unfairness and illogical nature of this decision, especially when compared to other sports. The ban was eventually reversed, though clarification on the original reasoning was sought.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Story Origin
  2. 00:20How the Story Developed
  3. 00:51London Evening Standard Article
  4. 01:12Headline: Children Banned from Shooting Events
  5. 01:51Reaction from the Shooting Community
  6. 02:56Ticket Giveaway Process
  7. 03:14Exclusion of Shooting Sports
  8. 03:32Puzzlement Over the Decision
  9. 04:05Response from Mayor Johnson
  10. 04:38Reading Responses and Contacts
  11. 05:01Politely Asking Mayor Johnson to Clarify
  12. 06:13Comparison with Other Sports
  13. 06:16Danny Bryan and Gun/Knife Crime
  14. 07:06Support for Shooting Sports
  15. 07:33Irony of Fencing as a Weapon
  16. 08:04Spurious Connection Between Criminals and Athletes
  17. 08:32Reversal of the Decision
  18. 08:41Psychology of Shooters in the UK
  19. 09:03UK Gun Control Landscape
  20. 09:54Children and Under 16s at Shoots
  21. 10:23Careful Not to Overstate the Issue
  22. 10:39Encouraging Responsible Gun Use
  23. 10:46No Handgun Ownership for Self-Protection
  24. 11:17Passing on Shooting Sports
  25. 11:19Seeking Clarification on Reversal
  26. 11:32Automated Response from Mayor Johnson
  27. 11:47Supporting Olympic Games and Shooting Sports
  28. 12:00London Riots and Self-Defense Rights
  29. 12:46Impact of More Guns During Riots
  30. 13:35Addressing Wider Issues of Rioting
  31. 13:55Illegal Guns on UK Streets
  32. 14:49Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were shooting sports initially excluded from the London 2012 Olympics ticket giveaway for schoolchildren?

The exact reasons for the initial exclusion of shooting sports from the London 2012 Olympics ticket giveaway for schoolchildren were unclear, leading to community criticism. The decision was perceived as illogical, especially when other sports with weapon components were included.

What was the reaction from the shooting community to the exclusion of shooting sports from the Olympic ticket giveaway?

The shooting community, represented by individuals like Matt Rutherford of Shoot Clay UK, expressed sadness and puzzlement over the exclusion. They viewed it as unfair and inconsistent with the Olympic ideal and the legacy the games were intended to provide to sports.

Did the London Olympics organizers reverse the decision to exclude shooting sports from the children's ticket giveaway?

Yes, the decision to exclude shooting sports from the London 2012 Olympics ticket giveaway for schoolchildren was eventually reversed. However, at the time of the interview, the exact nature of this reversal and the original rationale remained subjects of inquiry.

How does UK gun control compare to the US, according to Matt Rutherford?

Matt Rutherford notes that the UK has significant gun control, requiring licenses for shotguns and police involvement. Unlike the US, there are no facilities for owning handguns for home protection or for general range shooting, though clay shooting is permitted.

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