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Great Yarmouth Foil Invitation

The first Great Yarmouth Individual Foil Invitation was held on Sunday 28th August at Beccles Sports Centre. The tournament was organised as a fun, friendly, introduction to competitive fencing, aiming to give fencers new to the sport a chance to challenge those from other clubs in a relaxed but still competitive environment.

The event was well attended, with 39 fencers taking part over the three categories, (Men’s, Women’s and Junior’s) representing: Affondo, Bury St.Edmunds, Great Yarmouth & Waveney, Ipswich, Norfolk, Norfolk Academy, Stowmarket and Thetford Fencing Clubs. For 7 of those fencers, this event was their first experience of competitive fencing.

Event Organiser and Great Yarmouth and Waveney Fencing Club Chairman, Robert Johnson commented: “The main reason for organising the event was to get more of our fencers into competition, as well as to try and increase the number of local events that are available for both senior and junior fencers to take part in.”

“The turnout was far greater than we expected; it was great to see so many fencers enjoying themselves and getting to know those from other clubs. The strong turnout shows us that this is what fencers want and we hope to be able provide a range of different events for them throughout the year.”

“There was a good mix of abilities in the events, ranging from those who have only been fencing for a short while to those who were old hands at the sport, willing to share their experience with others. The feedback we’ve received has been solely positive, with some helpful ideas which should hopefully make our next event even better.”

“As well as the usual prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd we also had a few special prizes, including Best First Timer and Best Newcomer; spreading the prizes to those who may not have normally won anything. Many of the fencers, for whom this was their first competition, have commented on how much they enjoyed the event; not finding it scary or intimidating like they imagined competitions to be. Many of them are already looking forward to their next competition, asking when the next one will be coming up.”

“When people join our club, they often remark that they have always wanted to have a go at fencing, but they never realised it was in the area; we aim to publicise and promote fencing as much as possible amongst the local community. Fencing is not just for the elite, anyone can do it, often those that enjoy it the most are those who do not necessarily excel at the usual sports. With the number of fencing clubs increasing in the area and London 2012 under a year away, what better time to get into fencing and sport in general?”

If you’re interested in taking up fencing then contact Robert Johnson at rj.gywfc@gmail.com or via the club website www.gywfc.co.uk . He’ll be happy to help you with any questions you may have and can put you in contact with your nearest fencing club.

Top Men’s Results: 1st Dan Thurston (Aff), 2nd Kieran Hart (Stow), 3rd Peter Gallop (NFC) & Chris Pitman (GY).

Top Women’s Results: 1st Faye Russell (Stow), 2nd Danni Kingston (GY), 3rd Libby Rose (NAF) & Amanda Scarff (GY).

Top Junior Results: 1st Adam Barnard (GY), 2nd Ethan Stretton (GY), 3rd Sam Clark (Bury) & Brett Warren (GY).

Full results can be seen on the Great Yarmouth and Waveney Club Website.