Sports Resources > Latest sports news > December 2008 > 01/12/2008 - AUSTRALIA'S BEST FENCERS DUEL IN LIDCOMBE

01/12/2008 - AUSTRALIA'S BEST FENCERS DUEL IN LIDCOMBE

-Sport and Recreation Minister Kevin Greene says London 2012 could be Australia's time to shine in the sport of fencing.

Mr Greene made the call after watching local fencing clubs at the Australian National Fencing Championships duel at the Anne Clarke Netball Centre in Lidcombe.

"Fencing is an incredibly dynamic sport that requires immense tactical and technical skill," he said.

"It's also one of only four sports to have been included in every Olympic Games since they began.

"Here in Lidcombe today, we have the very best of Australian talent competing."

Mr Greene said fencing is one of the 22 sports to be contested at the upcoming 2009 Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney.

"I wish the very best of luck to all the young fencers competing today. One of them could well go on to win Australia's first ever fencing medal in London in 2012.

"However, you don't have to be an Olympic hopeful to enjoy fencing. Thousands of children and adults participate in this sport through school programs and at more than 20 clubs across NSW.

"The Rees Government supports those clubs via the NSW Fencing Association which this year received $10,000 in funding.

"The NSW Government recognises the important role that local sports clubs play in keeping our communities healthy and active.

"Participation in sport and physical activity provides many physical and mental health benefits on a personal level and also helps develop cohesion at the community level.

"That's why fencing is such a good example - with its striking combination of agility and athleticism, fencing offers a challenging workout for both the mind and body.

"I also sincerely thank all the dedicated volunteers who help to run local fencing clubs as well as the NSW Fencing Association and the Australian Fencing Federation who organised this week's wonderful championship event," Mr Greene said.