Fencing competition George (23-24 November)

We had a competition in George, the second competition for our fencers. For some of them it was their first competition and they were very happy to compete with other fencers in George. (unfortunately no pictures) Our team did very well and won 3 medals:

• Zolani Mbexa (juniors silver)
• Thulani Ngogela (junior bronze)
• Sphelo Sneli (senior bronze)

Swiss fencing workshop (18 November)

The fencers were spoilt with great events last month. A workshop in Port Alfred by Benjamin Steffen, a top fencer from Switzerland, gave a wealth of new skills and knowledge to our young club. It was for both fencing clubs in our township: Nemato and Ingubo. (unfortunately no pictures)

Fencing competition PE (25 August)

Our fencers participated in their first competition. The event was organised by the NMB Modern Pentathlon Association in PE as the launch of Excelsior Fencing Club. It was a well attended open day for anybody interested in starting fencing. The competition was a bit tough, with all the PE fencers being top fencers at national level. No wins for us, but well done for all the points scored. A warm thank you to everybody in PE for organising the great event and for looking after us very well. We are looking forward to the next competition, possibly at the end of the month in Franschhoek, close to Cape Town.

Fencing clinic (16 June)

The Annual General Meeting of the Eastern Cape Fencing Association was held at our classroom in Nemato. It was followed by a clinic given by Jon Paul Raper, an international top fencer and modern pentathlon athlete, and his coach/mother Jessica Raper. The clinic was great and gave us a lot of insight in the secrets of top fencing and new knowledge for our inexperienced coaches.

Our first training session (26 April)

At last, after a year, we got our fencing equipment and clothes. This is our first training session.

Fencing camp in George (20-22 April)

We were invited to a 3 day fencing camp in George. 13 people joined the trip. We got much needed coach knowledge during the camp to be able to start our own fencing club. Thanks a lot to the donors and organisers of the camp for inviting us!