WORLD PAINTBALL CHAMPIONS SET FOR LONDON CLASH

Added: (Thu Aug 09 2001)

Pressbox (Press Release) - World Paintball Championships
National Sports Centre, Crystal Palace, London, SE19 (Upper Norwood)
Friday 31 August – Sunday 2 September 2001
Gates open: 8am
Admission: Free
More details: Tel: 01932 865999 or www.campaigncup.com

Teams of the world’s best paintballers from more than 110 countries will descend on the National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace later this month (August) to compete for the “world cup” of paintball – the Campaign Cup.

The three day event (31 August – 2 September 2001) will see seven-man teams from Russia aiming to “eliminate” opponents from the USA in a fast-moving knock-out competition. But just like their UK and European rivals – both professional and amateur - they will be shooting nothing more dangerous than a ball of biodegradable dye.

Entry is free for spectators – which will be televised by both Eurosport and Bravo TV. Visitors can even “have a go” themselves on the paintball firing range.

This is the Campaign Cup’s 13th year – which makes it the oldest established Paintball tournament in the world. But it has come a long way from its humble origins when 12 teams fought it out in the woods in the depths of Surrey, England. The Campaign Cup is now part of a grand prix series of events known as the Millennium Series which take place in Stadiums throughout major European cities, Lisbon, Copenhagen, Toulouse, Stockholm, London and Frankfurt.

“Paintball is great to watch as well as play, dramatic and colourful. This event is a chance for families to enjoy the sport at its very best, from custom built stands,” said Campaign Cup organiser Niall Squire.

“Each country has developed its own style of play. The Yanks brash and self assured, Russians technically superb, French flamboyant, Swedes stylish, and the Brits maintain dogged determination,” he said. “It’ll be well worth a visit.”

ENDS
ISSUED BY THE CAMPAIGN CUP. FURTHER INFORMATION FROM
NIALL SQUIRE OR JIM SENNETT, ON 01932 865999.
NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Three JPEG images are for reproduction/publication.
2. A background note follows with frequently asked questions.
3. The Campaign Cup event at Crystal Palace features:

 covered seating for 10,000 people
 Gates open from 8am till close of play on each day of the tournament.
 Total prize purse will be in excess of £30,000.
 Tented ‘village’ with up to 30 vendors showing all the latest in paintball equipment and hardwear.
 Have a go target range and snap shoot
 Cheerleaders
 DJ’s, commentators and guest speakers
 Final of ‘Mission Paintball’ ( Paintball programme on Bravo TV- Sundays 8pm)
 Car parking for 5,000 cars
 Bar & food available
 Free entry and programme
 World karate championships also taking place.
 Discount offers





Frequently Asked Questions

What are paintballs made of?
Paintballs themselves are marble sized, round, thin skinned gelatin capsules with coloured liquid inside. They are very similar in appearance to vitamin capsules or bath oil beads. The fills are non-toxic, non-caustic, water soluble and biodegradable. They are available in a myriad of bright colours from bright pink to day-glo yellow. When hit by paintball the gelatin skin splits open and the contents leave a bright paint"mark.
How about safety?
For safety, players and officials always wear goggles which are specifically designed for paintball to protect eyes and ears. All markers are limited in power and range. The international safety limit on the speed (measured in feet per second) is 300 FPS. All markers are tested with a chronograph and adjusted accordingly. Men and women compete on completely even terms using hi tech markers (guns) which are mostly semi automatic. Many use electronics which enable the players to shoot very quickly indeed - over 12 balls a second.
What is the aim of the game?
The aim of the game is to shoot out the opposing team and capture their flag whilst they try to do the same to your team. If you are hit and are marked anywhere on the body or equipment you are eliminated from the game. The maximum points available are 100. This is obtained by shooting all the opposition out and hanging their flag in your base, the quicker this is done the more points are earned. Tournament games are usually restricted to 10 minutes.
Where can I play?
The largest park in the UK is Campaign, which is based near Cobham in Surrey, only 20 minutes from London. For more info contact www.campaignpaintball.com.