Editing William Shatner (section)

== Paintball involvement ==

=== Origins of SPPLAT Attack ===

Shatner became involved in paintball through JJ Brookshire, founder of the Society of Paintball Players and Teams.

In a July 2002 interview with [[WARPIG]], Shatner explained that Brookshire had previously proposed organising a paintball exhibition at a charity horse show.

Although that initial proposal did not proceed, Brookshire subsequently developed the idea into a large-scale charity scenario game at Challenge Park Xtreme in Joliet, Illinois.[1]

Shatner stated that he had not previously played paintball but was interested in the opportunity to participate in an outdoor activity while raising money for charity.

He became involved in developing the event's storyline and arrangements for filming the game.[1]

=== SPPLAT Attack (2002) ===

The first '''William Shatner's SPPLAT Attack''' was held on '''31 August 2002''' at Challenge Park Xtreme, near Joliet, Illinois.

The event used a ''Star Trek''-themed scenario, with permission from Paramount Pictures to incorporate names and imagery from the franchise.

Participants were divided into three armies:

* '''Federation''' – Commanded by William Shatner, assisted by scenario organisers Patric "PacMan" McKinnon and Kerry "Viper" Rosenberry.
* '''Borg''' – Commanded by [[Tom Kaye]], president of Airgun Designs, with assistance from [[Bud Orr]] of [[Worr Game Products]].
* '''Klingons''' – Commanded by Chicago radio presenter Eric "Mancow" Muller.

The participating armies competed for objectives across the playing fields, with missions and alliances contributing to the scenario's outcome.[2][4]

The event also incorporated other entertainment and paintball activities, including a pump-marker tournament and demonstrations.

Shatner arrived at the playing area using a powered paraglider.

Contemporary coverage documented his active participation, including commanding players, negotiating with opposing forces and taking part in the paintball action.[4]

The event attracted more than 1,000 participants, including experienced scenario players, recreational players and ''Star Trek'' enthusiasts.[3]

=== Shatnerball II: The Wrath of Tom (2003) ===

The second event, '''Shatnerball II: The Wrath of Tom''', took place on '''31 August 2003''' at EMR Paintball in New Milford, Pennsylvania.

The venue was operated by Michael "Blue" Hanse and was known for its scenario games, including Castle Conquest.[3]

The 2003 event replaced the science-fiction theme with a Wild West storyline.

Shatner commanded the Cavalry forces, supported by Mancow's Posse, while Tom Kaye commanded the opposing Tek Nuts faction.

Glenn Palmer of Palmer's Pursuit Shop commanded the Raiders after the originally announced celebrity participant, Wayne Brady, became unavailable.[3]

The event attracted approximately 800 registered players.

It incorporated large woodland battles, themed missions and a smaller elimination-format game featuring the opposing commanders.

During the final scenario battle, Shatner's Cavalry and Mancow's Posse secured the objective and won the game.[3]

A charity auction following the event raised money for Ahead With Horses.

Contemporary WARPIG reporting estimated the auction proceeds at nearly US$10,000.[3]

=== Shatnerball III (2004) ===

A third Shatnerball event was held on '''5 September 2004''' at Challenge Park Xtreme, returning the series to the Chicago area.

The scenario was titled '''Mobster Mash''' and featured a fictional conflict between rival criminal organisations.

Shatner appeared as '''William "The Shaft" Shatner''', commanding the blue team.

His opponent was '''Tom "The Don" Kaye''', who commanded the maroon team.

The event's organisers identified Steve "Hammer" Sciuga as Shatner's executive officer and Bobby "Darkman" Gogolin as Kaye's executive officer.[5]

Contemporary accounts by members of the Canadian P.A. Predators paintball team document Shatner arriving by powered parachute and participating in the day's activities.

Approximately 660 players attended.

The event included themed costumes, paintball vehicles, scenario objectives and an auction of memorabilia and equipment.[6]

The P.A. Predators account describes Kaye's team dominating much of the main scenario game.