May 2023 – October 2023
The OFC has continued the presentation of a Level 1 Course, in the discipline of Epee Fencing, once again partnering with Global Fencing Masters to present the Course online. Nineteen student Coaches from across Oceania are currently working to gain skills to meet the needs of a new generation of fencers, using the latest coach education technologies. Assessments will be carried out before the close of 2023.
Fencing New Zealand, with assistance from the OFC, ran the 2023 Oceania Junior (Under 20) Fencing Championships in Dunedin, 1 – 2 July 2023. Events were hotly contested in very cold conditions.
Helen Smith (OFC President) and Leon Thomas (Regional Development Officer) visited Tahiti in French Polynesia to assist with the conduct of the 2023 OFC Cadet (Under 17) Championships, the first OFC Competition outside of Australia or New Zealand post Covid. It was a very successful Championships, with French Polynesia, New Zealand and Australia attending and all countries gracing the podium during the 6 individual and 6 team events contested. Meetings with local officials and a training/acclimatisation camp were also part of the agenda during this important visit.
