Fence Against Breast Cancer

[mtarascio]

The New England Fencing Alliance (NEFA) is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Women's Circuit in support of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event and the American Cancer Society.


FENCE AGAINST BREAST CANCER

We hope that you will be able to participate in the 2nd Annual FENCE AGAINST BREAST CANCER events - a women’s competitive fencing circuit taking place on October 4 and November 15, 2008 in Arlington, Massachusetts. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month which is an impetus for this event as was our desire to create a unique forum for adult women to fence competitively, develop camaraderie with their peers, and to support the work of the American Cancer Society in its efforts to find a cure for breast cancer. Furthermore, these competitions will provide an opportunity for the sport of fencing to distinguish itself in promoting the health of fencers and all women by participating in an event that is 100% dedicated to charity. In this regard, as the demographics of recreational/competitive fencing evolve and change, so have the opportunities for fencing to grow and to contribute to society in this positive manner and example.

Last year was our first foray into hosting a dedicated charitable competition and we had terrific success! We are pleased to report that we more than met our fundraising goal by raising over $2,500 to support the work of the American Cancer Society. The success of the FABC competitions was made possible by the participation of fencers from five states and who represented more than 10 fencing clubs.

This year we have added a few things to make the competitions even better: No entry fees! And epee events! Once again through the generous sponsorship of the Arlington Recreation Department, the New England Fencing Alliance, and individual donors the venue, food, beverages, and gifts for the competitors have been arranged. Of course, your donations will be greatly appreciated and 100% of all gifts raised from the events will be donated to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer/ACS. We are able to commit 100% to Making Strides thanks to the generosity of fencers from several clubs and local businesses including Rainforest Reptile Shows, Safe Harbor Family Martial Arts, and 3MB Fencing Club.

For those of you who are not fencing, we encourage any support you can lend, either by cheering on the competitors, volunteering at the events or, perhaps, by participating in the “Strides Against Breast Cancer” 5- mile walk that will take place in Boston on Sunday, October 5th. You are most welcome to walk with the New England Fencing Alliance Team, or to create a team of your own.

Here are some details about the competitions:


SCHEDULE FOR COMPETITIONS (October 4 & November 15, 2008):
9:00 – 10:00 Check-in and warm-up time – FOIL
10:00 – 10:30 Warm-up continues
10:30 Foil Competition begins

12:00 - 1:00 Check-on and warm-up time – EPEE
1:00 – 1:30 Warm-up continues
1:30 Epee Competition begins

The New England Fencing Alliance will provide a light breakfast to competitors and volunteers from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. NEFA also will supply water, Gatorade, and snacks throughout the day.

ELIGIBILITY: Women Age 30 + (for women born in 1978 or before)

FORMAT: One round of pools, 5-touch bouts with a 3-minute time limit. 100% advancing to DE of 15 touches. USFA rules will be followed.

Medals will be awarded to the top 8 competitors. In addition, certificates of participation will be presented to all competitors.

USFA Sanctioning: Unfortunately, these events are not sanctioned by the USFA. We attempted to get them sanctioned through the New England Division, USFA (NEUSFA). The NEUSFA Executive Committee voted not to sanction any Charitable Competitions.

By not being sanctioned, classifications cannot be awarded.

ENTRY FEE & REGISTRATION: FREE!

Donations to Strides Against Breast Cancer/ACS are appreciated and will be accepted at the door.

LOCATION: OTTOSON MIDDLE SCHOOL
63 Acton Street
Arlington, MA 02476

For more information about these events, please go to www.fencing1.com, email Coach Michael Tarascio at events@nefencing.com or call (978) 210-2711.

[mtarascio]

To pre-register go to:

Askfred - To register for the October 4th event.

Askfred - To register for the November 15th event.

[mtarascio]

Great idea and benefit! Would you consider another in N.C. or Oregon?
Michael Marx, July 5, 2008
1980. 1984, 1988, 1992 US Olympic Foil Teams
1996 US Olympic Epee Team
U.S. Fencing Hall of Fame

Good Luck with this wonderful event!
Greg Massialas, July 4, 2008
1980, 1984, 1988, USA Olympian
2008 Olympic Coach, Fencing, USA

What a fantastic idea! This is just the kind of event that needs to be incorporated in every Division across the country. The interface with the community, and charitable health issues is a win- win proposition for fencing. I intend to “steal” this idea and make it an annual event in our Division. Thanks to Mike Tarascio for sharing his inspiration. Wayne Johnson, July 6, 2008
1980 US Olympic Epee Team

I am absolutely delighted to see that we are having this type of competition.
I believe that this can be the start of a very important trend.
Let’s keep it going!
Dan Dechaine, July 4, 2008
U.S. Fencing Hall of Fame
U.S. Olympic Team Armorer
1968, 1976, 1988, 1992

We should all support wonderful events in support of health issues like this one. Mr. Tarascio has conceived a great idea. Let’s follow the example of Major League Baseball and others.
Peter Burchard, July 5, 2008

Michael,
The Fence Against Breast Cancer event is a fantastic idea. As not only an Olympic fencer but also as a Public Health Professor at a major university, it is well-needed help for a very worthy cause. Best of Luck!
Nikki Franke, July 5, 2008
1976, 1980 US Olympic Teams

This is a terrific event!
The publicity benefits everyone. A win-win situation.
Ed Richards, July 4, 2008
U.S. Fencing Hall of Fame
U.S. Olympian
Fencing Master

What a wonderful idea. Its great that we can finally give something back and raise money and awareness for this disease. Anything we can do we should do
Michael D’Asaro, July 4, 2008
1996 Olympic Team


Given the widespread and growing support for the Komen Foundation’s work on breast cancer awareness and research funding, bringing the fencing community into the fight is not only laudable but inspired. Might oaks from small acorns grow, and this event is sure to generate interest and, ultimately, the tangible benefit of funds to contribute to the goal of eliminating breast cancer. As I remember my mother’s final year dealing with the consequences of breast cancer, I am very pleased to see my other family, the fencing community, take up the cause. I wish the organizers, sponsors, and competitors all the best in this wonderful endeavor.
Peter A. Harmer, PhD, MPH, ATC, FACSM
Chief Medical Officer – USFA
Medical Commission - FIE