Opening of NSW Fencing Centre by the NSW Minister
The NSW Fencing Centre was officially opened by the NSW Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres, MP on 21 May and remarked that “Fencing has a big fan in me!”
Fencing paused as President Kaye Mahoney introduced the Minister and thanked him for a government grant of $50,000 which had helped deliver the new venue.
Stuart Ayres spoke of his time studying for a degree in sports management at the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE), which has a sword in its logo.
He noted that in all sports, access to good facilities leads to increased participation by attracting new people to take up sport, including those with disabilities. The NSW Fencing Centre would be a strong foundation from which to grow.
Mr Ayres said Australian sporting and cultural links with Asia were opening immense opportunities for smaller sports like fencing, as well as for larger sports.
He recalled opening the Australian Cadet Championships at Marrickville, and observed that fencing led to a strong body and a strong mind, without heavy physical contact.
Grand Opening Celebrations – 6 May
Earlier this month, there was a party mood at the special opening of the Centre, with all members invited. Jimmy Barnes and our sponsor, Luigi Esposito of Via Napoli, cut the ribbon. The occasion was graced by the presence of Rio Olympic Gold Medalist Chloe Esposito and her brother Max who also finished well at the games! The evening included a live stream viewing of Lucas Webber’s bout at the St. Petersburg World Cup and a four-course dinner for all!
AFF Board Elections
Congratulations to Chris Nonis who was elected to the Board of the Australian Fencing Federation at the AFF’s annual general meeting on 20 May.
Garry Webster from the ACT and Angela Bensted were also elected.
Sholto makes the 64 in the Shanghai Grand Prix
Congratulations to Sholto Douglas for an incredible showing at the recent FIE Grand Prix foil event in Shanghai, making the 64.
Sholto won four of his six pool bouts. In his first direct elimination bout, he defeated a Hong Kong fencer to advance into the 64. He then encountered four-time World Champion Peter Joppich from Germany, conceding 15-12. Sholto finished 56 out of 149.
Other NSW fencers competing in a tough comp at Shanghai were Beatrice Hay, Jesse Morris and Eduoard Renneville who represented Australia for the first time internationally.
Upcoming NSWFA Referee Clinics
The following dates are for Schools, Clubs, and Beginners to learn the basics refereeing.
24 June – Foil
29 July – Epee & Sabre
19 August – Foil
Start time: 10:00am – 11:30am, at the NSW Fencing Centre
Sign up here: https://www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=25466
Farewell to a special lady
Friends gathered at Balmain on 12 May for a service to celebrate the life of Frances Stone, an Honorary Member of NSW fencing and the much admired and respected leader of Rozelle Fencers for many years. She was 97.
They spoke movingly of Frances and her love of good books, good music, flowers and fencing.
She introduced many children to the art of fencing and is fondly remembered by them.
New Regional Co-ordinator appointed
NSWFA is very pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Emmerick as our Regional Co- ordinator. Richard takes over the role developed initially by Michael Cook. Regional fencing is growing well with new clubs (Snowy Mountains and University of New England) formed in the last couple of years and Regional Championships have been very well attended.
In 1994, Richard started the Mountains Fencing Club which now has a membership of 65. He is an accredited level 2 coach in foil and epee. He has coached state squads as State Foil Coach and as an Assistant National Epee Coach. Richard started fencing in 1962 with Charles Stanmore at the Sydney Fencing Club. He achieved a silver medal for foil at national championships in 1972. Richard has produced Australian national champions and international team members and has managed and coached teams on international tours.
Living in the Blue Mountains and having founded a club there, Richard brings with him a good understanding of the needs of regional clubs. He has plans to further develop training programs for regional fencers and improve communications.
Richard can be contacted at: [email protected]
Novice epee fencers Marion Blender (Sydney University) and Matthew Webb (Marconi)
After their first ever competitive fencing bout at State level, both said they enjoyed the experience and that they will be back for more!
Novice events have returned to the NSWFA calendar and we hope all clubs will encourage their new fencers to take part.
Reduce your tax bill with a donation to Friends of Fencing
With the end of the financial year approaching, you could reduce your tax bill by making a deductible contribution to Friends of Fencing. Donations can be made by companies and individuals via the Australian Sports Foundation, an Australian Government agency, which will accept your donation and confirm its tax deductible status. Donations via Friends of Fencing go towards the future development of our sport.
Newington Headmaster drops into schools fencing comp
Newington’s Headmaster, Dr David Mulford, called into the Fencing Centre on 13 May to watch Newington boys competing in the National Schools Teams Qualifier. Newington has a strong fencing tradition and its fencers attend the Centre 5 days a week for training. Dr Mulford is pictured with NSWFA President Kaye Mahoney and Karen Lak, the fencing coordinator at Newington.
PO Box discontinued…a sign of the times
Please note that NSWFA has cancelled its post office box (GPO Box 1654) as the flow of mail has slowed to a trickle and the cost of keeping the box could not be justified.
These days, most of the outside communication to NSWFA is by email.
Please address all correspondence to [email protected] or Suite 302, 71 Longueville Road, Lane Cove, NSW 2056.
Congratulations Dimi
We are delighted to announce that Dimi Giovani has been selected to attend the Women’s Coaching Course, to be organised by the FCA and the FIE in Manila in June. The course is a 2 week, advanced level course in Foil, which will be led by renowned coaching instructor Mr Peter Kuki of Romania. It is being held using a grant provided to Ms Marilee Estampador of The Philippines as part of her 2016 IOC ‘Women and Sports award, and is aimed at assisting the development of women fencing coaches in Asia and Oceania. Dimi works as an assistant Foil coach in NSW and has been involved as coach and team manager on several recent Australian team tours, including the 2017 Asian Cadet & Junior Championships in Korat, Thailand. We wish Dimi well for this exciting opportunity!
Join Us Now! NSW Gladiator Tour
2017 Australian Minime Circuit – Joseph D’Onofrio Victoria Challenge
NSW Fencing Association is organizing a tour to Melbourne for the
2017 Joseph D’Onofrio Victoria Challenge.
Fencers will enter this event through NSWFA.
A minimal levy will be introduced as NSW aims to send 1 – 3 NSW Coaches to assist
Fencers at the Championships and also to assist with travel organization.
Challenge U/13 – FOIL, EPEE, SABRE
2017 Joseph D’Onofrio Victoria Challenge
Dates: 15th – 16th July 2017
Competition:
Individual Championships
U/9 Foil (mixed)
U/11 Foil and Epee (mixed)
U/13 Foil, Epee and Sabre
Venue:
Victoria State Fencing Centre
Level 1, North Melbourne Football Club
204 – 206 Arden Street
North Melbourne
Timetable:
SATURDAY: TEAMS: ALL TEAMS ARE MIXED AGE & GENDER (bouts of 3 to 27)
1:30pm Warm up & Roll Call
2:00pm Sabre
2:00pm Foil
3:30pm Epee
SUNDAY: INDIVIDUAL
9:00am U11 Mixed Epee (Possibly combined poules, separate DE’s)
9:00am U13 Men’s Foil
10:30am U13 Women’s Foil
10:30am U9 Mixed Foil
12:00pm U13 Women’s Sabre
12:00pm U13 Men’s Sabre
1:00pm (Approx.) LUNCH
1:30 U13 Mixed Epee (Possibly combined poules, separate DE’s)
1:30 U11
Weapon specification:
U11 and U9 fencers:
Minimum: 350NW fencing jacket, 350NW under plastron, glove, mask, breeches (long/full length track suite pants will be accepted) and long socks. Chest protectors must be worn by girls in all weapons.
Chest protectors must be worn by boys doing epee.
U13 fencers
Minimum: 350NW fencing jacket, 350N under plastron, glove, mask, fencing breeches (800NW or 350NW) and long socks.
Chest protectors must be worn by girls in all weapons.
Chest protectors must be worn by boys doing epee.
- Please note these are the minimum requirements, fencers may choose to wear 800NW garments if they wish.
** Electric bib masks will not be mandatory in any age group, although fencers may choose to use them
Entry & Nomination:
To register:
https://www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=24541
NSW Levy:
$100 per fencer
All fencers must be 2017 Junior Registered or Affiliated with NSWFA
This information will be updated as soon as all competition information is confirmed by
Fencing Victoria.
Important note:
Registration will close on the 1st July.
Travel information will be sent to fencers once they have registered and paid the tour levy.
Contact:
Alex Andre
[email protected]