The KZN Amateur Fencing Association will be hosting its first competition for the year on Saturday, 22 February 2014 at the Old Mutual Hall at the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) at 11:30am.
This is an individual ranking event in foil, epee and sabre and, depending on numbers, there will be three age categories: cadet, junior and senior for both ladies and men.
The competition is open to all fencers in KwaZulu-Natal who are registered with the KZN Amateur Fencing Association.
It is possible to register on the morning of the competition at a cost of R200 per fencer. Spectators are welcome.
According to Louise Lombard, Chairman of the KZN Amateur Fencing Association, this competition is the first of a series of events for the province.
“Under the auspices of the two clubs in Durban, UKZN and Hillcrest, we will be hosting at least four competitions this year. This is all part of building a solid ranking system for the province so that we can send our best team to the National Fencing Championships in June,” Lombard says.
“Local competition experience is invaluable to fencers, specially our youngsters, as it gives a real taste of what the sport is all about. Competitions are also the best way to prepare for the highly competitive national circuit which includes the KZN Open in September,” explains Lombard.
The local fencing scene has been given a significant boost since the arrival of the internationally acclaimed fencing coach, Aydar Zabbarov.
Coaching at both clubs, Zabbarov has more than 30 years experience fencing at an international level and was Champion of Russia in 1985 and 1987 and Champion of the USSR Team in 1987. He was also awarded the prestigious title ‘Master of Sport of the USSR’.
“KZN Fencing is currently on a drive to revive the sport in the province and introduce a whole new generation to fencing,” says Lombard. “We have a wide variety of students across all age groups and it’s exciting to see the enthusiasm for the sport amongst our newcomers. It’s going to be interesting to see how we compete at a national level.”
The event will get underway at 11:30am at the Old Mutual Hall. There is an entry fee of R70.
For more information, visit www.fencingkzn.co.za.