THIS IS MY STORY
My name is Gary Larson and I am the founder of Guardian Long Range Competition.
I entered the foster care system at 12 years old after a childhood of abuse and neglect.
My teenage years were filled with bad decisions resulting in failed placements. The turning point in my life was undoubtedly the fortunate assignment to a caseworker who took the time to get to know me. At 17 years old, my caseworker recognized the challenges I faced and worked hard to find my forever family.
When he realized that I was basically homeless, he made the unconventional decision to bring me into his home.
“There was one symbol that made this [adoption] a reality - they gave me a house key. I was finally home.”
Gary’s adopted dad Pete Knibbe speaks to the crowd of shooters before a match.
My caseworker and his pregnant wife at the time soon realized my pain and took it upon themselves to adopt me. At nearly 18 years old and someone who had never had a sense of belonging, there was one symbol that made this a reality - they gave me a house key. I was finally home. My transformation at that critical age, thanks to my forever family, led me to become a productive member of society. I was able to explore new things and found a passion for long range shooting. Ultimately, my calling to give back has blended with precision rifle. That house key to my forever home is the icon for what has become the Guardian Long Range Competition.
Defend the weak and fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and oppressed.
While competitive, our events are designed to promote fellowship on the range, invite participants of all skill levels, and ultimately provide a new level of spiritual fulfillment in a challenging, but fun match environment. Event proceeds raised by shooters go to fund programs like the one that changed my life. My calling and purpose for Guardian Long Range is best summarized by our mission in Psalm 82:3.