Columbus, Ohio – In its 6^th year as a part of the Arnold Sports Festival, the Arnold Fencing Classic has become one of the premier fencing competitions in the country.  Two fencing competitions will run simultaneously, the FIE Satellite World Cup and the Regional Youth Circuit. The event will be held March 7-8 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center’s Grand Ballroom and the adjoining Hyatt Regency Hotel.

New this year will be the FIE Satellite World Cup for Senior Men’s Epee.  The FIE or Federation Internationale D’Escrime is the world’s sanctioning organization for the sport of fencing.  “This will be the first time in fencing history that such an event will be held in the United States” said Julia Richey, event director.  “The best fencers in the world will be here to try to improve their standings in the year round competition that determines the national teams for the Olympics” she added.

The Regional Youth Circuit competition is for seven to fourteen year old fencers.  Athletes will compete using the three types of weapons: epee, foil, and sabre.  “Fencing is a wonderful sport for people of all ages and abilities,” said Richey, who is also a former member of the Russian National Team and owner of the Royal Arts Fencing Academy.  The youth participants will also assist with the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the FIE Satellite World Cup, that is expected to be attended by Gov. Schwarzenegger and other celebrities and VIPSs.

To award their efforts, the youth fencer with the best performance and academic credentials will be presented with a $2000 college scholarship presented by the Columbus Rotary.

Presenting awards to the youth competitors of the Arnold Fencing Classic will be the 2008 United States Olympic Medalists Mariel Zagunis and Sada Jacobson.  Together with Rebecca Ward the three swept the medals in the women’s sabre individual event at the Olympics in Beijing.  Zagunis won gold medals in the 2008 and 2004 Olympics.  Jacobson won the silver medal in 2008 and the bronze medal in 2004.

A $10 daily ticket to the Arnold Fitness Expo includes access to fencing. Tickets are available at the door or from Ticketmaster, 800-745-3000, or at www.ticketmaster.com/arnold. For more information visit www.arnoldfencingclassic.com or www.arnoldsportsfestival.com.