Q/A With My Mother A Non Paintball Player's Perspective...
Q1: What were your thoughts on paintball before your son started playing...
Paintball was a sport that I knew nothing about until Dylan started playing. I heard that people had paintball guns and played in the woods on their farms. Never did I know that it was an organized sport with clinics, tournaments and fields located throughout so many cities. I figured people who play paintball are people who want to go into military and play with guns.
Q2: How did you first hear about paintball...
I first heard about paintball at a kiosk that was at the mall showing a local field and attracting people with coupons. As Dylan started talking about trying it out then I did research on the computer.
Q3: What were you feelings on letting your son try this new sport out...
As I read about paintball I was nervous, anxious and thrilled all at the same time. Nervous about the cost and travel time involved. Anxious about possible injury to himself due to a paintball hit or landing wrong causing bodily injury. Thrilled because this new sport opened Dylan up as a person. It built his confidence up. It gave an opportunity for him to meet new people. It taught him about an organized sport. Paintball is something that he can work on individually as well as a team.
Q4: What is your perspective on the paintball community as a whole...
That is a loaded question. I never would have imagine that as a mom of a paintball player that I would fit in so easily. Paintballers are respectful, open minded and always willing to teach others about the sport. They took Dylan under their wing and helped him develop his talents. From their example Dylan now passes his knowledge onto other interested players to help expand the community. The example they have set has made Dylan a better person.
Q5: Looking back on it now are you happy that your son started playing paintball...
I am a proud mom of a paintball player as one of my sweatshirts advertises. Dylan started this sport as a pastime that provided exercise. Now it is a passion that provides him confidence. The time, cost and travel involved doesn't matter. What matters is learning a team sport at the same time as working on himself individually. Bringing his knowledge into the sport and passing it onto others. Yes I am happy Dylan paintballs.