Veterans Fencing
The Canadian Veterans Division of the Canadian Fencing Federation was begun formally in 2007 after the hugely successful Commonwealth Veterans Championships hosted in Toronto, Ontario, in July of that year.
Almost 100 fencers over 40 years old, initially identified themselves as competitive fencers. Canada joined a growing number of countries and regions around the world with Veterans groups still bit by the fencing bug even though they were long out of their teens and twenties.
Fencing is truly a life-long sport, as is evidenced by these competitive athletes who are keen to travel the world to test their skills, keep fit into their senior years, connect with old and new friends and to just have a blast. with the sport they love.
"Why do people join the veterans fencing organizations? Everyone remarks on the spirit and the atmosphere at the competitions. This comes from our having a common love of fencing and interest in the skill of the sport. Veterans have usually given up the regular competitive circuit but the fencing brain is still there and is as sharp as ever."
Henry de Silva, Chairman European Veterans Fencing (1991 - 2007)
Veterans competitive age groups are 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80 plus. And yes, There are fencers on the circuit who are into their 90s!
Veterans Fencing in Ontario
Ontario has a growing number of fencers in the Veteran Category, and a growing number of competition organizers are running Veterans events at Ontario Challenge and Just for Fun Events. The majority of Veteran Canadians who travel for competitive events are from Ontario. This year the OFA will be supporting our Veterans in several ways:
- promoting events for Veterans at each competition
- training camp and conference for Ontario Veterans
- officials training and support for Veterans
- web page
- awards
Use these links for more information about Veterans Fencing in Canada and around the world:
www.european-veterans-fencing.com/
www.commonwealthfencing.org/veteran_association.html
www.fencing.ca/veterans/veterans_home.htm
NEWS Links
Ontario's Vets Conquer Commonwealth
Commonwealth Veterans Fencing News
Commonwealth History Click on result by sport and/or country and they have interesting data going back to 1950. This won’t be of interest to most, but for us old codgers it brings back a few memories:
Vets Results
NAC "C" Pittsburg Dec. 4-6 2009 here
