WASHINGTON CITY – As election tensions came to a peak some people found a light-hearted way to blow off steam. Battle Ball Paintball held a paintball tournament Saturday with an election-themed twist that pitted Romney voters against Obama voters in an all-out battle for votes.
Teams fought for control of the field, which was covered in bonuses, special item drops, vote points, and other surprises. Obamas journal and birth certificate, a piece of pipeline, and special agents were just a few of the items up for grabs.
“It was a hard fought battle for votes,” Damien Karimi, owner of Battle Ball Paintball, said. “Both Team Obama and Team Romney really wanted those votes and in the end, Team Romney pulled off the win.”
Despite the political theme there was minimal conversation about actual politics, and more about the game, the moves they made, and the sport in general.
“It was great playing with and against friends and family again,” Nathan Roberts, a local paintball player, said. “It’s been awhile since we have all seen each other.”
The players who come out range from 10-year-old “newbies,” to the more seasoned players who have been playing for decades. Battle Ball Paintball holds themed tournaments every-other month, and normal games on most Saturdays in-between these events.
Although the sport can be intimidating to those who haven’t given it a try, this is the best environment to get out there, get some exercise, and relieve some stress.
According to EMR Paintball, the sport of paintball is growing at an incredible rate. With over ten million active players worldwide paintball has become the fastest growing extreme sport in the world. Its relative safety, and the distinct experience that comes with the sport has drawn people from almost every demographic. Over 80 percent of paintball players fall into the 12 to 34-age range, and it is a sport that is statistically safe as long as it is played in regulated venues.
The turnout for these events varies depending on what other events are happening in the city, and this event had a great turnout.
“It was fun to come together, political differences aside, and have a ton of fun.” Karimi said.
The event passed with minimal political debacle, and organizer and players are looking forward to the fourth annual Santa’s vs. Grinch’s charity event on Dec. 8.
Upcoming event details and contact:
What: Santa’s vs. Grinch’s fundraiser for Hope Pregnancy Care Center
When: Dec. 8, 9:30 a.m. first game starts
Where: 420 West Addie Lane, Washington, UT 84780
Fee: $30, includes -300 psi air fills, 2 raffle tickets, 1 Santa/Grinch hat, 1 lunch ticket
Website: BattleBallPaintball.com / Facebook: Battle Ball Paintball
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2012, all rights reserved.
Great event. This sounds like the type of politics I’d like to be involved in.