Competition is everywhere, but how is it beneficial for the children? Thomas Dodds from InterGame sat down with Grant Collins the CSO of Zone, and others to learn how the competitive spirt is helping children unlock new skills while having fun.
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Q: Why is it important that kids can take part in competitive activities?
Competition plays a crucial role in childhood development. It teaches kids how to handle challenges, build resilience, and develop goal-setting skills. When combined with physical activity, competitive play helps improve motor skills, coordination, and overall fitness. Games like laser tag introduce friendly competition in a way that encourages kids to push their limits while having fun.
Laser tag in particular attracts kids who may of otherwise preferred to stay on the couch and play a videogame, to get up and be active, as it's the closest form of fun to their digital hobby.
Laser tag in particular attracts kids who may of otherwise preferred to stay on the couch and play a videogame, to get up and be active, as it's the closest form of fun to their digital hobby.
Q; Do children of different age ranges, juveniles and adolescents for example, get different benefits for taking part in active competition?
Yes, younger children often develop basic social skills, such as teamwork and basic coordination, through competitive play, in some cases patience as well when they have to wait for there turn, or next game. They also gain confidence as they see their abilities improve. Older children and children at heart benefit from a more strategic aspect of competition. Games like laser tag encourage them to think critically, work on leadership skills, and develop sportsmanship—learning how to win and lose gracefully.
Many of our locations run competive leagues, that build upon the basic game play with extra play elements to make it a true sport, with the chance to build up your skills enough to play in national competitions. One location that springs to mind is Megazone Dunedin in New Zealand, that started a sports program into schools alongside sports otago, that has got many local primary and junior schools sending there teams to play in a active school league, that has got a lot of kids who have never played sport before to jump in and play. In the first season they got 17 schools, and are expecting to grow more in the coming year.
Many of our locations run competive leagues, that build upon the basic game play with extra play elements to make it a true sport, with the chance to build up your skills enough to play in national competitions. One location that springs to mind is Megazone Dunedin in New Zealand, that started a sports program into schools alongside sports otago, that has got many local primary and junior schools sending there teams to play in a active school league, that has got a lot of kids who have never played sport before to jump in and play. In the first season they got 17 schools, and are expecting to grow more in the coming year.
Q; How can these games benefit children both socially and physically?
Socially, competitive activities foster teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Kids learn to collaborate, negotiate, and support one another, making these activities great for character building. Physically, games like laser tag keep children active, improving their agility, endurance, and reflexes. Unlike traditional sports, laser tag is accessible to a wider range of children (including those in wheelchairs), including those who may not typically engage in competitive sports.
Q: Does anyone else see the benefits of these games, or is it only the children?
Absolutely! Parents, teachers, and even businesses see the value. Parents appreciate activities that keep their kids active and engaged while teaching important life skills. Schools and educators use competitive games to encourage teamwork and leadership development. Even businesses benefit, as these activities help create positive, teambuilding events that age ranges and abilities can enjoy.