Once again, Saskatoon Sports Tourism has brought an international-calibre sporting event to the city.
This time, Saskatoon Sports Tourism has partnered with the Saskatchewan Fencing Association to bring the 2018 Pan-Am Zonal Wheelchair Fencing Championships to the Travelodge Hotel from September 14-16. Wheelchair fencers from North and South America will take part in Category A and B…women’s and men’s…Epee, Sabre and Foil disciplines plus two team events. Besides medals, fencers will be after Paralympic qualifying points. The event will be free to the public. Following is the news release from Saskatoon Sports Tourism…
For Immediate Release
Saskatoon to Host International Wheelchair Fencing Qualifier
Saskatoon, SK – May 28, 2018 – The Saskatchewan Fencing Association and Saskatoon Sports Tourism are excited to announce that Saskatoon will host the 2018 Pan Am Zonal Wheelchair Fencing Championship from September 14 – 16, 2018. Wheelchair fencers from North and South America will be vying for medals and Paralympic qualifying points.
“We’re excited to be able to welcome some elite wheelchair fencing athletes to Saskatoon for this event,” said Dr. James Stempien, President of the Saskatchewan Fencing Association. “This championship is the first to be held in Canada and will be a qualifier for the upcoming 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. We will see athletes from North and South America compete in this event, including Asquith’s Ryan Rousell. This event will provide valuable sport exposure and illuminate options for local adaptive athletes.”
Events to be held during the Pan-Am Zonal Wheelchair Fencing Championship include Category A and B Epee, Sabre and Foil (men’s and women’s), as well as two team events. A number of elite athletes will take part in the event, including:
- Ryan Rousell (Asquith, SK) – Ranked in the top 5 internationally in Men’s ‘A’ Wheelchair Sabre
- Matthieu Herbert (Montreal, QC) – Canadian National Team, 2016 Paralympian
- Pierre Mainville (Montreal, QC) – Canadian National Team, 2016 Paralympian
- Sylvie Morell (Montreal, QC) – Canadian National Team, 2012 Paralympian
- Camille Chai (Montreal, QC) – Canadian National Team
“Canada will have their wheelchair fencers in attendance, with several Saskatchewan athletes”, remarked Lynn Seguin, High Performance Coach for the Saskatchewan Fencing Association. “Wheelchair fencing is fast and exciting. It’s a fascinating sport and we’re excited to host athletes of this caliber in Saskatoon. Their journey to the 2020 Paralympic Games starts here and you won’t want to miss out!”
The event is free to the public and will be held at the Travelodge Hotel.