Paintball Helps Keep Spirits High In Baghdad
As a war wages on the streets of Baghdad, Iraq, its residents search for ways to keep morale up. For one group of friends, it’s paintball that helps them gain a sense of normalcy and keep their spirits high. This group of men, who met in college, gather every so often and participate in a game of paintball to let off some steam.
Hannah Allam writes for the McClatchy DC News:
A sniper crouched next to a pile of sandbags, taking aim at anything that moved. Return fire came in bursts, from behind a palm tree.
“Go! Go! Go!” one fighter yelled.
“I’m hit!” shouted another.
Then, abruptly, the combat ended. The fighters yanked off their protective masks and let out exhilarated laughter.
This scene took place at Baghdad’s paintball field, despite the all-too-real war taking place outside. As the battle continues between Iraq and Islamic extremists, this group of friends is happy to have found a hobby to lighten their moods and help them laugh.
“The most important thing is that, here, there’s no blood,” Ahmed Raad told the McClatchy DC News.
Life carries on as Baghdad residents learn to live with the violence that has become normal in their town. Paintball has helped them have some lighthearted fun in a serious time.
“We must live our lives. We’ve learned how to keep going under difficult circumstances.” Abdullah al Rawi told the McClatchy DC News.
We are happy paintball can offer this group a way to unwind and carry on with their lives in a very stressful time.
Paintball has the power to transport people to an exciting and laughter-filled world if only for a few hours. It can bring friends together in an adventurous and carefree environment. We are proud to be players and fans of this fantastic game.
