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An art of cardboard destruction

Battle evokes creativity and imagination

A first for Powell River is the battle of the boxes taking place at Larry Gouthro Park from 12 to 3 pm on Sunday, June 23.

Known as a Boxwar, the event involves creating elaborate cardboard armour and weaponry to wage war. Boxwars were started in Melbourne, Australia in 2003. The Canadian chapter was founded in Toronto in 2004.

Powell River’s own Jasper Mohan, a Boxwar enthusiast, is starting his own Boxwar in Powell River. Under the name of PRIAX (Powell River Improvised Armour X-hibition), this cardboard battle will be an all-ages event. The afternoon will begin with Capture the Flag for all ages in their armour, followed by a mock battle for participants over the age of 12. There will also be a parade to showcase the cardboard designs.

“The point of Boxwars is not to beat each other up with cardboard,” said 15-year-old Jasper, “it’s to make cool costumes and show off your skills.”

The goal of the battle is to destroy your opponent’s upper body armour to disqualify them from the game, explained Jasper. The battles represent the struggle between good and evil, with each team and participant envisioning a specific story for both their character and team. “The fantasy versus reality thing comes into play.”

The rules for a Boxwar are simple. Only parts of the body covered in cardboard armour can be hit. Kicking, punching and choke holding are prohibited.

This will be Jasper’s first experience of a Boxwar but he believes he isn’t the only participant who has tried it at home. “Ever since I’ve been little I’ve traipsed through the bush with my friends with wooden swords and magic wands,” he said. “I think Boxwars is a more organized extension of that experience.”

Jasper’s goal for PRIAX is to unleash wild creativity in Powell River. “I hope that it will inspire people to get out and do more wacky things,” he said. Jasper will also be collecting donations for a cause of his choosing at the event.

City Transfer and Augusta Recyclers will be sponsoring the event and will be collecting cardboard on site to recycle after the event.

Interested readers or those who would like to help out can contact the event’s organizer, Bill Hopkins, at 604.414.0857 or bcbilly@shaw.ca.