Torbjörn Larsson received the prestigious “Dr. Vito Genco Shooting Ambassador Award” at the World Forum on Shooting Activities (WFSA) General Assembly in Nuremberg, Germany. The award recognises his outstanding contributions during his tenure (2018-2024) as President of FACE, representing the interests of 7 million hunters.

FACE is the largest democratically representative body for hunters and one of the largest European civil society organisations. During his time at FACE, Torbjörn helped FACE deliver several key milestones in partnership with various stakeholders. A new level of proactivity was enshrined in the federation through its strategy for 2027, including a new pillar of work on the social acceptance of hunting in Europe.

After receiving the award, Torbjörn Larsson stated: “Hunting needs strong representation at every level to promote our contributions to conservation, local economies and society. This is FACE’s job in Brussels, where we represent the interests of 7 million hunters at the European level”. He added: “Great people surrounded me during my time as President who remain there today, which makes me feel very positive about the future of hunting in Europe despite the number of threats we face”.

Through Torbjörn’s leadership, FACE underwent a significant transformation, including establishing a strong secretariat and acquiring a new headquarters in the heart of Brussels’ European Quarter. Torbjörn Larsson was pivotal in launching the FACE Wildlife Foundation, the FACE Patron Programme and the European Hunting Foundation, which have become key drivers in advancing FACE’s objectives.

One of his most notable achievements was spearheading the European Hunters’ Campaign, which was formally presented to the European Environment Commissioner in 2023, making this one of the most extensive environmental campaigns in Brussels, with 365,000 signatures. This initiative underscored the collective voice of Europe’s hunters in support of sustainable hunting, conservation efforts, and preserving Europe’s rich hunting heritage.

The World Forum on Shooting Activities (WFSA) is a UN-recognised NGO whose main objective is to preserve the traditions of hunting, shooting and private firearms ownership through cooperation with international organisations, national governments, and relevant national and international institutions and authorities. Through its member associations, the WFSA represents more than one hundred million of the world’s shooters.

The WFSA Dr. Vito Genco Shooting Ambassador Award is a prestigious recognition of a person with a longstanding interest in shooting activities and whose efforts have contributed to the positive image of hunting, sport shooting, or civilian firearms ownership.

Journalists, industry representatives, and stakeholders are also invited to a special session where Torbjörn Larsson and Ms. Issy Bailey will be speaking at the IWA OutdoorClassics 2025 on Thursday, 27 February, from 12:00 to 12:30 at the SHOOTING EXPERTS’ Stage | Hall 1, Stand 1-637.

Mr. Torbjörn Larsson will talk about the main activities to support the growth and development of hunting during his mandate as President of FACE.

Ms. Issy Bailey, pistol shooter and athlete of the GB team who attended the last three Paralympic Games will tell her personal story on when and how she approached shooting para-sport and the benefits of such an inclusive sport for disabled people.

For further information, please contact: FACE Secretary General Dr. David Scallan at david.scallan@face.eu