DARLINGTON AIR RIFLE CHAMPION HONOURED FOR PROMOTING DISABILITY SPORT
Matthew Gleaves, a Darlington-based civil servant and accomplished air rifle shooter, has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list with a British Empire Medal for his contributions to disability sport.
Gleaves, 55, who uses a wheelchair, took up benchrest air rifle shooting during the COVID-19 lockdown, initially practising on a backyard range he built for his daughter. In just three years, he became the UK’s top-ranked shooter, claiming the British Benchrest Air Rifle Championship title in 2023.
Gleaves told The Northern Echo: “I went from my shed to British champion in three years. For the last three years I have been the UK number one and I was the UK champion last year. I have been invited to the world championships in Finland next year.”
Benchrest air rifle shooting is one of only three sports where disabled and able -bodied participants compete on equal terms, with adaptations readily available for those with disabilities. Shooters aim at a two-millimetre bullseye from 25 metres, resting their rifles on tables. Gleaves uses an adapted dog grooming table to suit his needs.
Beyond his own success, Gleaves has worked tirelessly to encourage greater participation in the sport. He has organised live trial events across the UK and inspired others to take up competitive shooting. One participant from his events is now on the brink of joining a Paralympic shooting team.
“I have been trying to promote the sport and get more disabled people into it,” Gleaves said. “I’ve got a YouTube channel called Air Ability and a Facebook group just trying to get people into it using my own experience. For some, it’s about a bit of escapism, having something to take your mind away from everyday stuff.”
Gleaves will receive his medal and attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace this summer. “It doesn’t quite feel real because I haven’t been able to talk about it – it was so unexpected,” he said. “I never even considered anything like this could happen.”
As he prepares for the world championships in Finland, Gleaves continues to advocate for inclusion, proving that sport can be a leveller for all abilities.