Processed By Colour Factory 4/05/2012 11:52:29 AMChannel: 3a_FCN_NSW_EDITORIAL_Newsprint_18.6cm_CMYK
THE Ministry of Paintball is part of an industry worth more than $800 billion but what this high-energy game entails remains a mystery to many.
Ministry of Paintball director David Ross described it as being an extreme adrenaline sport — not for the faint hearted.
In this game, two teams compete in various scenarios to gain victory.
Mr Ross said strategic planning, teamwork and communication generally decided the winner.
The all-Aussie company that started out in Sydney's backyard almost 10 years ago, has become an international success and a leading player in a growing global industry.
But why is it so popular?
"The simple answer is that people love shooting at their friends with little balls of paint," Mr Ross said.
"It's about camaraderie and creating a lasting memory of a shared experienced with friends."
Mr Ross said one of the main reasons he got into the industry was because he wanted to be part of an experience that stuck with participants.
"I first became involved with paintball because I could see how much fun people had playing," he said.
"I was also astonished by how much detail people could remember from a day of paintball that had been played years ago.
"That's when I realised that I could be involved in something that gave people fond, long-lasting memories."
Mr Ross said paintball was a great team-bonding and team-building activity for companies, and one of the core ingredients in any bucks' party.
Paintball can be played by people of all fitness levels, aged 16 and over.