Fencing returns to Bonita Lakes

By Staff
This is one in a series of stories highlighting the competitions that make up The State Games of Mississippi. The State Games are set for June 18-20 and June 24-27 in Meridian. A few events will be held the weekend of June 5-6.
By Tony Krausz/assistant sports editor
May 16, 2004
Location, location, location.
That is not only a slogan for real estate, it also works for fencing.
The fencing competition of the State Games of Mississippi which is set for June 5-6 two weeks before the main games of the state-wide event will be held at the Bonita Lakes Mall.
Along with garnering a new audience, Carr said he expected a bigger pool of fencers than the previous years of the event.
The fencing competition begin at 10 a.m. June 5 with the youth events for fencers between the ages of 10 years old and 17. It concludes with the adult and open duels on June 6.
The 10-12-year-olds open the event with foils duels, and the 14-year-old group competes with foil in the second set of matches. The junior foil (under 17 year olds) closes opening day.
On the second day, the open Epee and saber competitions are held, and the youth-12 group compete in foil. The adult swashbucklers hold their epee, foil and saber matches on the final day.
The public setting of the State Games of Mississippi's fencing competition also allows those involved to clear up some misconceptions about the sport.
Carr, who teaches fencing on the Gulf Coast, said the biggest fear people have is perceived danger.
Fencing is like the duel scene between Mercutio and Tybalt in the play "Romeo and Juliet," only without a script.
It is two competitors clashing relatively harmless swords, without the threat of serious bodily harm.
Founding Gold Sponsors of The State Games of Mississippi an Olympics-style sports festival are Rush Foundation Hospital and Meridian's Coca-Cola, while Gold Sponsors are The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, The Partnership For a Healthy Mississippi, Bell South and Meridian Airport Authority.
For event applications or schedules call 1-800-462-0205 or visit the State Games of Mississippi website at www.stategamesofms.org.