Friendship Cup |
Although sword fighting dates back thousands of years, fencing as we now understand it really came of age as a sport in the 19th century. A tense, compelling battle of wits and technique, the sport is one of the few to have featured at every modern Olympic Games. However, though not well known in Western Sydney, fencing is beneficial for everyone as is one of the most enjoyable of all exercise forms. Fencers from Polish Australian Fencing Club (PAFC) at Marayong are active in pursuing their sporting goals by taking part in the local, state and national competitions.
Each year the School Fencing season opens with NSW Roberta Nutt Schools Championships. Over 140 boys and girls fenced on the weekend of the 22 February at NSW Fencing Association Sports Centre at Marrickville.
Sylvia Musel of Polish decent, represented St Andrews College and won GOLD medal in the under-13 Girl’s Sabre. She demonstrated a fighting spirit in her way to the final winning all bouts. St Andrews College is the first and only school in this part of Western Sydney which has the fencing in its Co-Curriculum.
Sylvia is the member of NSW U13 Sabre Girls’ Team. She was a key component of the NSW Girls’ U13 Team which, going up against national as well as international opponents from ACT, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and China, won gold medal at the International Friendship Cup in Sydney. The effort Sylvia is particularly notable given our club has very limited resources. Sylvia’s success comes from systematic practice in the club.
Sylvia 2nd from right with the NSW Team |
In the modern sport of fencing, which evolved from dueling and combat, three different weapons may be used: foil, épée and saber. The target areas differ for each weapon, but the goal is the same: to hit the opponent without being hit. Because the movements are often faster than the eye can see, the touches are scored electronically.
The sport is slowly gaining favor as an option for seniors looking for an interesting way to exercise and many adults are returning to fencing. The movements, agility training and non-traumatic contact is perfect for seniors, even those with light-to-moderate disabilities like arthritis or joint replacements. Some research even indicates that there are mental benefits, like increased cognitive functions (memory and concentration) from physical activities like fencing. People need variety to help make their exercise a life-long endeavor, and fencing is a great addition to the mix.
To find out more about this exciting sport and to cross swords with Sylvia we invite boys and girls to our fencing trainings at
[b]Sports Hall, St Andrews College
116 Quakers Rd, Marayong
Tuesdays & Fridays from 6.30pm to 8.00pm
Contact: 9832 1860 or 0425 283 683
www.fencingforfitness.com
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