Mariel Zagunis competes on wheelchair again for fund-raising: Fencing News
The Sabre fencer, Mariel Zagunis and wheelchair fencer, Ryan Estep, competed for fund-raising again today. The event took place at Oregon Convention Centre in Portland during an exhibition regarding tribute to the equipment of passed fencers. They raised
more than US$3000 for wheelchair fencing team during the competition.
The Peter Westbrook Fencing Foundation donated the equipment for wheelchair fencing. The two-time Olympic Champion, Zagunis and 2010 Senior Wheelchair Fencing World Team member, Estep have already attended the 'Blades for Blades' event at the same place
on April 24. They raised more than US$2000 for United States Wheelchair Fencing Team in that event. The purpose of 'Blades for Blades' exhibition is to raise the fund and expose the community to the Paralympic games including Wheelchair Fencing.
It has happened for first time in Zagunis’ life that she fenced on a wheelchair. The fans attended the exhibition and contributed in the fund. The pro Sabre blade of Zagunis was also sold in that event. The pieces of fencing and Olympic memorabilia were
bid in the event. The Fencing equipment was donated by the Olympic Champion Zagunis herself, Leon Paul, ProPrintwear and FencingPhotoes.com.
Zagunis and Estep fenced in a series of exhibition wheelchair fencing bouts in Foil and Sabre. Zagunis fenced first time from wheelchair. Zagunis said that she had never tried the fencing on wheelchair. However, she always heard that to fence at wheelchair
was very difficult. She said that fencers had to use more power to fence on wheelchair. She further stated that she was good enough to gain at least few touches against Estep.
There was a huge crowd of spectators to watch the Wheelchair Fencing by the Olympic Champion Zagunis. Two five-touch bouts were played in Foil and two five-touch bouts were played in Sabre. Both categories of weapons were played in the following series.
Sean Shumate, a Paralympian at Athens, served as a referee and emcee for that competition.
Paul and Zagunis continuously assisted the US Wheelchair Fencing Team throughout the month of April. All the sales of Zagunis’ blades were also bestowed to the Wheelchair Team.
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