(Photo credit: Kamloops Speedball Association / Facebook).

By Stephanie Swensrude

PAINTBALL FIELD

Paintballers propose speedball field at Tournament Capital Ranch

Jun 25, 2022 | 2:26 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops Speedball Association (KSA) is proposing a Speedball Field at the Tournament Capital Ranch in Rayleigh.

Speedball is a version of paintball, a game in which participants use air guns to shoot capsules of paint at each other. Speedball is often played outdoors, with inflatable obstacles placed on the field. Speedball is a “capture the flag”-based competitive sport.

Speedball tournaments in B.C. are currently only held in the Lower Mainland or on Vancouver Island as those are the only options available.

“Unfortunately, there are no regulated speedball fields located in the Interior. Local teams have nowhere to practice, which puts them at a major disadvantage for tournaments,” reads the report that will go before council Tuesday (June 28).

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The KSA is proposing a speedball field in the southwest area of the Tournament Capital Ranch.

(Photo credit: Supplied).

“This area of the TCR is currently underutilized and large enough to accommodate the speedball field, a check in area, player’s area, bleachers, and a parking area,” reads the report from the group.

The way speedball fields are designed prevents the risk of active paintballs leaving the playing area: entrances are Z-shaped and the entire playing area is netted off. No spectators will be allowed within five feet of the netting.

The KSA says they will cover the cost of clearing and leveling the land by seeking a donation of equipment from a local business. The installation of artificial turf, poles and netting would also be covered by the KSA.

They’re asking the City to provide the land, previously used bleachers, porta potties and a non potable water source.

Clint Martin is a Outdoor Education teacher with SD73 and says he almost always takes his students to an existing paintball facility on Harper Mountain.

“Year after year it continues to be a course highlight for many students,” he said in a letter of support to council.

The establishment of the speedball facility would require changes to the Firearms and Other Weapons Control Bylaw. Under the current firearms bylaw, paintball guns, which are used in speedball, are not allowed to be discharged within city limits.