Competitors from all over Saskatchewan are taking part in the weekend tournament at the Alfred Jenkins Field House (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Local Sports

Fencing comes to the Alfred Jenkins Field House

Mar 2, 2019 | 6:39 PM

The Alfred Jenkins Field House is playing host to fencers from all across Saskatchewan this weekend.

The Prince Albert Northern Knights are holding their annual northwestern open tournament. The competition is expected to go until Sunday afternoon.

Pamela Wojciechowski who serves as the president of the Prince Albert Northern Knights told paNOW about the diversity of those competing.

“Our tournament is for all ages. The youngest group is under 10, and there is all the way up to open fencing, which is masters,” she said.

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Between 35 and 40 people suiting up.

Those competing this weekend did so in a number of categories such as foil; where participants score by thrusting the tip into the torso; and sabre, where scores are earned by more of a cut thrust motion to the body.

There are also competitors in wheelchairs, a part of the sport which has grown in Saskatchewan over the past five years.

Bob Spracklin coaches with the club in P.A, and was competing. Spraklin, who has fenced since 1971, said the sport provides opportunities for everybody.

“We have 10 year olds fencing and we have 70 year olds fencing,” he said.

There are a number of age categories in which people can enroll, and open categories, which allow people of various age groups to go head-to-head.

Spraklin said it can be challenging, at times, competing with those on the younger side.

“It definitely means that you have to engage age and treachery to defeat youth and skill,” he said.

Spraklin said the sport provides a different experience in that it challenges those who take part on a variety of fronts.

“Fencing gives you a combination where you have to keep your mind alert. You’re working on fine motor skills, you have to be making decisions in a timely fashion … it really pulls you together in all aspects,” he said.

The club currently has 19 members and meets on a regular basis. Spraklin said those who take it up have the potential of taking part for a long time.

“As long as you’re able to stay upright and get on to the fencing strip, away you go,” he said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn