Image: Perry McCluskey trying out shooting at the Para Futures Cup.
Matthew Howes arrived in Canberra having already competed in Para athletics and Para triathlon at 15-years old. On day two of the Libby Kosmala Para Futures Cup, the VIS Para Sport Unit athlete stepped outside his comfort zone and found himself lining up a target under the guidance of a Winter Paralympian.
Taryn Dickens PLY, who competed in Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, shared tips, tricks and advice with Howes during the Para shooting session at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). Few people know better what it takes to hit a target with a racing heart. In biathlon, Dickens skis hard, then has to settle herself to shoot.
Matthew Howes and Winter Paralympian Taryn Dickens
For Howes, it was a chance to learn from those who have been there.
“It was good to try professional equipment and hear from coaches and Paralympians,” Howes said.
“I scored a few tens which was awesome and Taryn gave me lots of pointers.”
Alongside shooting, the VIS athlete is using the weekend to explore Para badminton and Para table tennis.
“It’s great to have the opportunity here to try different sports,” he said.
Shooting also delivered on the scoreboard, with Team South finishing second, behind Team North and ahead of Team West and Team East.
A wet Canberra morning did little to dampen spirits, with goalball opening the day as Paralympian Raissa Martin joined athletes on court, some trying the sport for the first time. In the AIS Performance Gym, encouragement rang out around the Para powerlifting bench as each athlete took their turn under the bar.
Competition continued across table tennis, boccia and shooting, with Team South placing third in table tennis and fourth in Para powerlifting.
Team South sits fourth on 352 points after day two, behind Team North (695), Team West (603) and Team East (455).
Competition continues Sunday, before the inaugural trophy presentation on Monday 5 October.
To learn more about the VIS Para Sport Unit, visit vis.org.au/para-sport-unit.
To learn more about Para Uplift, visit www.ausport.gov.au/para-system-uplift
