WFSA Honors Franco and Pietro Gussalli Beretta with Dr. Vito Genco Shooting Ambassador Award

Celebrating Excellence in Shooting Sports

The World Forum on Shooting Activities (WFSA) recently recognized the remarkable contributions of Franco Gussalli Beretta and Pietro Gussalli Beretta by awarding them the prestigious Dr. Vito Genco Shooting Ambassador Award. This event took place during a plenary session at the IWA OutdoorClassics trade fair in Nuremberg, Germany, bringing together enthusiasts and experts in the shooting sports community.

In honor of the 500th anniversary of Beretta, the oldest firearms manufacturer in the world, this award ceremony was especially poignant. Tony Bernardo, the president of WFSA, expressed great pride in bestowing this award on two leaders who exemplify the values the organization promotes: excellence in hunting, sports shooting, and responsible civilian gun ownership. The award highlights the significant impact that Franco and Pietro Gussalli have had on the advancement of shooting sports both in Italy and globally.

This significant accolade is awarded to individuals worldwide who have made extraordinary contributions to hunting and sports shooting. Previous recipients have included Olympic athletes, esteemed authors, and notable public figures, underlining the prestige attached to this recognition. Franco Gussalli Beretta accepted the award on behalf of both brothers, expressing deep gratitude for the honor bestowed upon them by the WFSA, an organization that champions scientific research, tradition, values, and innovation within the global shooting community.

As the president and CEO of Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta, Franco Gussalli plays a crucial role in the company, which proudly celebrates its rich heritage and evolution within the firearms industry. His brother, Pietro Gussalli Beretta, serves as the president and CEO of Beretta Holding, further underscoring their commitment to excellence.

The ceremony also marked the 30th anniversary of the WFSA, a milestone highlighted by a presentation from former president Graham Downing. The event included further recognitions, such as an honorary award presented to Juergen Kohlheim for his long service on the Executive Committee.

Among the topics discussed during the session were the shooting disciplines scheduled for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, presented by ISSF Secretary General Alessandro Nicotra di San Giacomo. Additionally, the implications of proposed EU restrictions on lead ammunition were a point of debate, presented by Squire Patton Boggs lawyer and AFEMS consultant, Peter Sellar. Furthermore, WFSA unveiled a new policy database to better guide international shooting policies, as introduced by Charles Fowler, president of the WFSA's Image Committee.

The World Forum on Shooting Activities is a prominent international NGO recognized by the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Founded in 1996, it encompasses more than 50 national, regional, and international organizations, all dedicated to preserving the traditions of hunting and sports shooting through cooperation with governments and international institutions.

For more information, interested parties can visit www.wfsa.net.