- printer-friendly version 

May 17, 2004 - The fencing Summer Nationals are just around the corner, taking place on May 20-24th at the Centre Sportif Val-des-Arbres in Laval, Quebec. This is the only national competition of the year showcasing competitors from all categories and disciplines. With over four hundred fencers registered to compete this event demonstrates the growth of fencing in Canada. The early stages of the competition are composed of direct elimination bouts and will mimic more of a real duel where there are no second chances. Previous victors of the Nationals have gone on to compete at the Olympics, most notably women's epée fencer Sherraine MacKay. Sherraine placed 19th at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and has qualified in the top ten for Athens later this summer, representing one of Canada's best chances of a podium finish.

National competitions provide fencers from across the country the opportunity to compete and truly test their skills. This event takes the best fencers from every province and territory and allows them to duel for top spot in the country. Canada's Junior Team has demonstrated much promise on the world stage thus far and this event should help to separate the front of the pack that is currently neck-to-neck. This competition allows the juniors to acquire more experience competing and assists them in preparing for the future.

Olympic qualifiers Michel Boulos, ranked 28th in men's sabre and Joshua McGuire, ranked 45th in men's foil will also be in attendance. The presence of these two great athletes will not only raise the calibre of the event, it will also provide role models for the young fencers in attendance. This competition should serve as a prelude for what can be expected from Canadian fencers this summer and in the future.

Contact:

Evanthia Thouas
PR/Media Intern
co-op@fencing.ca