Knabenschiessen 2013, Albisgüetli, Zürich

On the second weekend in September each year, about 4'000 Zurich boys and girls, ages 12 to 16, take part in a marksmanship contest. The shooting is with the Swiss Army ordonnance rifle, SIG SG 550. The winner is named King of the Marksmen. The custom dates back to the seventeenth century, when all boys were required to practice their shooting during the summer holidays. The final marksmanship contest served as a type of examination. Later on, the compulsory event was modified to voluntary cadet training. The competition is held in the shooting range at Albisgüetli to the south-west of the city center, on the slope of Üetliberg. This traditional event is surrounded by a large fair attracting thousands of visitors.