One of the great things about airguns is that so many airgun industry members are also genuinely interested in shooting. For these people, airguns are not just a business, they are a passion! So it’s wonderful to find out that Markus Dombrowski – the International Sales Manager for Diana Airguns – is yet another shooting enthusiast…
In fact, Markus has recently become the “Schützenkönig” – “shooting king” of the local Shooting Club (“Schützen Verein”) in his beautiful, historic home town of Arnsberg, Germany. As a result we should really now call him “King Markus” – at least for a year!
The position of Schützenkönig is regarded as a considerable achievement and brings with it much social acclaim. He achieved it by shooting and hitting a special wooden eagle target.
“So now I am the Schützenkönig for one year. This means that I have a lot of social events scheduled now,” explains Markus.
“Yes, it’s a funny thing but it makes my friends and family very proud. Also my girlfriend Julia is happy to be my Queen (“Schützenkönigin”) and wearing queen’s dresses for sure!”
A “Schützenverein” (German for “shooting club”) is a local voluntary association found in Germany and other German-speaking countries. It is centered around shooting as a sport, often target shooting to Olympic rules or with historic weapons.
Although originating as a town militia, a Schützenverein no longer has any military aspects. In many cases, it’s actually more a social than sporting club.
“Schützenvereine” – Shooting Clubs – at their peak were an integral part of their communities. The concept dates back to late medieval times, when archery and shooting contests honed the skills of citizens ready to defend their towns.
Markus Dombrowski is the Schützenkönig of the club “Schützenverein Moosfelde 1979 e.V.” The club is located in the city of Arnsberg. That happens to be the home town of the current German chancellor Friedrich Merz. I hope that Herr Merz is suitably impressed, too!
Today, Germany has over 15,000 Schützenvereine, with most of them affiliated to the “Deutscher Schützenbund” (German Marksmen’s Federation or DSB) umbrella organization.
The DSB was founded in 1861 in Gotha and revived in 1951 in Frankfurt am Main following World War II. With around 1,500,000 members – including Markus – the DSB is the third largest sports organization in Germany. Wow!
Congratulations, Markus! Please let me know of the special requirements I need to obtain a royal audience when we meet again at the IWA OutdoorClassics show in Germany next year
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