Cloppenburg Rifle Club: New shooting range ceremoniously opened!

Cloppenburg Rifle Club: New shooting range ceremoniously opened!

On Saturday, the modernized shooting hall of the Cloppenburg Citizens' Shooting Club (BSV) was ceremoniously reopened. After two years of intensive renovation work, members can now hope for optimal conditions for their shooting sports and club life. Numerous guests from politics and friendly clubs flocked to celebrate this festive occasion. Captain Marc-André Donner was extremely pleased and grateful for the members' support during the long-awaited project. He remarked: “Many helping hands have pitched in here and they deserve every thanks for that.” The reigning King Hans-Uwe Osterhus-Schlömer also emphasized the idealism that drove the work forward.

Mayor Neidhard Varnhorn praised the renovation and the important role of voluntary work for the community. He described the renovated Schützenhaus as a symbol of cohesion and energy. Deputy District Administrator Hermann Schröer also brought congratulations and praised the modern, functional shooting range, which offers new opportunities for the members. Also Dr. Franz Stuke, President of the District Sports Association, called for children and young people to join the club.

A project full of commitment

The renovation is an extensive project that required extensive renovation work. Individual steps such as replacing the leaky roof, relocating the supervision room, installing a new heating system and purchasing new windows helped bring the hall up to date. The total costs amounted to around 750,000 euros, with the city of Cloppenburg covering 400,000 euros and the district and the state sports association also supporting 100,000 euros each. The BSV itself has received around 90,000 euros through its own contributions and donations, and members have already collected around 20,000 euros in donations for the project.

The paving of Cloppenburger Mühlenstrasse found a new use as a creative solution in the hall. The reopening was celebrated with firecrackers and an open day where the new hall could be viewed.

The role of shooting clubs

Shooting clubs like BSV Cloppenburg are an integral part of German tradition and culture. Their roots go back to 1139, when they originally emerged from shooting guilds. Today, the German Shooting Association has around 14,374 clubs throughout Germany that not only serve shooting sports, but also maintain customs and community. Membership is generally possible from around 12 years of age, although young people are often specifically encouraged to join the clubs. Shooting clubs also promote community and social functions and provide space for numerous activities that reach far into the village communities.

With the reopening of the shooting hall in Cloppenburg, the club is not only setting an example for shooting sports, but also for voluntary commitment in the community. The new Schützenhaus is not only a place to stay, but also a place for encounters and cohesion. It is to be hoped that many new members will find their way into the shooting family and help keep this tradition alive.