COLUMBUS, OH – The Arnold Fencing Classic, the most prestigious fencing competition in the country, takes place Saturday, March 3, at the Hyatt Regency Franklin , Delaware and Union rooms; and Sunday, March 4, in the Grand Ballroom at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.  Fencing is a modern Olympic sport that requires speed, timing, tactics and lightning-fast reflexes to win the duel.  Athletes compete using three types of weapons: epee, foil, and sabre.

“Fencing is a wonderful sport for people of all ages and abilities to compete in,” said Julia Richey, event Chair and head coach/owner of the Royal Arts Fencing Academy in New Albany, Ohio. “For youths, fencing offers a structured regiment, with discipline and dedication fencers learn that no goal is out of reach.”   The youth fencer with best performance and academic credentials will be presented with a $1000 college scholarship from the Rotary Club of Columbus.

Four competitions will be held in 2007:

  • Regional Youth Circuit is a national series event for boys and girls ages 6 -14 years old.
  • Epee Open, or “The Tournament of Kings and Queens”, is where top fencers from the United States and Canada dual in individual format on the main stage in the Grand Ballroom on Sunday.
  • Sabre Open, will feature fencers of any level dueling their way into the finals where they will meet with US National Stars and International Olympians on the main stage in the Grand Ballroom on Sunday.
  • Open Foil, will have appearances from U.S. team members and fencers from across the U.S.

World Class fencers expected to attend the Arnold Fencing Classic 2007 are: Muriel Zagunis , 2004 Olympic Champion, Sada Jacobson , 2004 Olympic Bronze Medalist, currently ranked #1 in the World and Rebecca Ward, the current World Champion, Peter Westbrook, six-time Olympian; and, Donald Anthony, U.S. National Squad member from 1982-1996.

A $10 daily ticket to the Arnold Fitness Expo includes access to fencing. Tickets are available at the door or from Ticketmaster, (614) 431-3600, or at www.ticketmaster.com/arnold. Teams must register in advance.  For more information, contact Julia@royalarts.org or visit www.arnoldfencingclassic.com.