A new sport in Colorado Springs celebrating inclusivity

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — There’s a new sport in town, Air O Sport. On Sunday, the new sport hosted its military championship with teams from each branch of the military competing. The new sport is designed to be accessible for all, with the hope that one day it will be recognized as the next great American sport.

“It’s a cross between dodgeball, basketball, and team handball, and we incorporate all of the sports into the best of three five-minute rounds, so it’s a 15-minute game from start to finish minus any playoff or shootouts,” said Adam Pastor, Operations Manager at Air O Sport.

The game Air O Sport is taking over Southern Colorado and is designed to be inclusive for all.

“It just got off of its feet recently, and so at the end of the day, it’s one of those that they’re just starting to gain traction, but it’s the fastest growing thing that I’m starting to see,” said Kitten Dupreez, a player in Sunday’s tournament.

On Sunday the Military Championship took place with all five branches competing. Those behind the sport say they wanted to create a game that can help veterans transition back into society by bringing them together.

“I just retired from the Army, so it was an opportunity for me to come and showcase my skills into the civilian world, giving me a chance to civilianize myself, but also at the same time bring the skills that I have learned in the military into good use in the civilian world,” added Pastor.

The winner of Sunday’s tournament was Mt. Carmel.

“It’s just an honor more than anything to be out here, you know, win or lose, at the end of the day, we’re happy we won,” said Dupreez.

The game is simple: Set up an Air O Sport tower with five rockets on the top, and define an “O” around the rocket, then break into teams.

“It doesn’t have to be a five on five, it can be a three on three, it can be an eight on eight. The field dimensions collapse and expand to meet the size of the team playing,” said Pastor.

The offensive team will hold the blue Air O disk, players can run, pass, and shoot from behind the “O” to score by knocking down the rockets, where one point is awarded per rocket.

“Best of three rounds, five minutes. You’re sprinting the entire time, so it’s a very good workout. You’re burning a lot of calories, but also you’re building teamwork and camaraderie within your organization,” said Pastor.

The opposing team gets possession after each score. The defensive team can defend, block, or intercept, and the first team to eleven wins.

“When you compete against other people you don’t know, it’s probably one of the most beautiful things because on the field we’re competitive, but man, the moment that whistle blows we’re all best friends,” said Dupreez.

Players are not required to be service members to join the league, but service members are encouraged.

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