BOGATA, Texas - iSportsWire -- Dragos Vasile Manea, a member of the Full Protection Shooting Club in Rome, Italy, has been named the new International Point of Contact (IPOC) for Italy.

Dragos has actively participated in IDPA competitions since 2013, "…attracted by the practical shooting skills and scenario-based courses that foster a responsible defensive mindset. I serve as club contact for both Full Protection Shooting Club (CL336676) and CS Lynx Club Cluj Napoca (CL259781). Over the years I've collaborated with many clubs and shooting ranges not only in Italy but also in Romania, my home country. These experiences have been invaluable for building friendship and mentorship and enabled my continual improvement. Participating not only as a shooter but also as an organizer and safety officer, has given me a comprehensive understanding of IDPA and its various need. I am now grateful for the opportunity to give back as Italy's representative after honing my abilities in this excellent competitive training environment.  I started competitive shooting in 2009 with other various disciplines until I discovered IDPA and became a member. From 2021 to 2023, I was honored to be part of the Prima Armi Team and began shooting with Smith & Wesson M&P 9."

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Manea has several goals for his area.  "My key objectives and priorities will be to keep IDPA affiliation growing, improve match standards and support the development of new clubs across the country.  I aim to foster community building and interaction between clubs, cultivate youth interest, and enhance Italy's IDPA representation internationally. It will be paramount to create a collaborative team with others European IPOCs to collaborate and coordinate for the most important events in Europe."

The new IPOC says, "I've been living in the northern countryside of Rome for 28 years. I'm married and I have a 20-year-old daughter.  I serve as a security officer at FAO headquarters in Rome. My involvement in firearms instruction and the shooting sports industry have deepened my respect and appreciation for IDPA's key principles. I look forward to applying that experience to contribute to the help growth and strengthening of the Italian IDPA community as the IPOC representative."

What would Dragos like his constituents to know about him?  "I'm truly passionate about IDPA's future in Italy and am committed to being an active, approachable representative. My background combines extensive shooting experience with leadership skills, enabling me to serve members effectively. I am eager to continue to learn from shooters and club contacts across Italy as we work together to make the sport grow."