Laser tag hits sporting target for participants
Not all sports are created equal.
Running around a dark indoor maze, shooting laser beams from a plastic gun may not be everybody's game but a Southland laser tag player hopes people will change their minds towards the sport.
But, indeed, is it even a sport?
That is all in the eye of the beholder perhaps, but for Invercargill man Marty Drummond laser tag has all the hallmarks of a sport.
Mr Drummond is competing in the Laser Tag New Zealand Invitationals held at Megazone Invercargill. The event starts today and and finishes on Saturday.
He said there was more to the game than just running around with plastic guns shooting lasers at each other.
"There's definitely a lot more to [it] than what you might think, It's a 100% physical sport. You've got bases to defend, bases to attack.
"Good communication and being able to work well in a team are important skills that you need."
The game consists of teams running around a dark indoor maze, shooting lasers at illuminated packs and guns other players are holding.
Laser Sports New Zealand Incorporated is hosting the event, which is in its ninth year.
The tournament has attracted 13 teams and 24 players from across the country.
Committee member and Explorer team player Rachel Scott said laser tag had all the same elements as other sports.
"It requires . . . teamwork [and] you have to work on specific skills, like shooting." Ms Scott said.
"You've got your different strategies, which other games have as well."
Participants in the invitational tournament have the chance to represent New Zealand at next year's Australasian and world laser tag tournaments.
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