TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte
– The City Government thru Mayor Bejo Romualdez, together with former
Tanauan Mayor, Mark Jiminez, will be introducing the “1st Mayor Bejo
Airsoft Competition” to be held this October 29 at the open field of
Rimas Colon, this city.
AirSoft, which is the
hobby of collecting realistic, non-lethal, shooting replicas of actual
firearms either for display or for the purposes of skirmishing in
friendly competition, is seemingly the new sports in town today.
The sports of AirSoft
first started in
Japan
during the early 1980’s and migrated to the neighboring countries of
Taiwan, Hong-Kong, Korea and the Philippines in the latter part of the
80’s. It was illegal to own firearms in Japan but there was a
significant interest in them, so a company started producing
spring-powered replicas of firearms that fired 6mm, plastic pellets or
BBs. It started appearing in
North America and
Europe in the middle of the 1990’s.
Meanwhile, this game
has already been played locally albeit discreetly because of its
unique nature. Unsurprisingly, like Internet combat and war games,
this entirely distinct recreational sport is attracting more and more
enthusiasts and appeal among young adults nowadays.
According to the
competition’s coordinator, Lito Francisco, an enthusiast of the sports
himself, this is a very satisfying game that requires both physical
and mental ability. “It also promotes teamwork and sportsmanship just
like any other sports,” he added.
For some avid players,
it’s a very exciting, thrilling, and exotic game that also developed
discipline and camaraderie.
Even women are drawn
to the game and as proof, some have already signed up for the upcoming
competition. At this time, 9 teams from different places like Bohol,
Cebu, Catbalogan and others have already registered. Each team will
be composed of 10 members and 7 substitutes.
The competition will
start at about seven o’clock in the morning. Participants should be
above 18 years old to be able to join the competition. Exciting
prizes awaits the winning teams.
AirSoft Guns are
extremely realistic but are by nature safe and non-lethal. However,
precautions should still be followed and observed properly. “It’s
definitely worth checking out,” Mr. Francisco said.
