Promotions Report

by Carol-Lynne Mould

Jamie, Laurie and I made the trip to Wynyard for the youth conference 'Bridging the Gaps". We got up too early on a Saturday and Laurie drove like a demon to get there. There weren't very many people who stopped by our display but we managed to hand out a fair number of pamphlets to high school students, and there were a few kids and parents who were genuinely interested. I wouldn't say that this was the most useful of promotional trips, but we had an excellent time fencing between the three of us. We even got a few students to try out fencing and they enjoyed themselves immensely.

After a long drive and several hours of fencing with just the three of us, we packed up and came home. Laurie took the scenic route and let me tell you, it was a hoot!

Several people took part in a demonstration at Confederation Mall as well. Here, while there weren't many shoppers on the night we were booked, we drew a decent sized crowd as we fenced all three weapons. I particularly appreciated the gasps when two women hooked up and went at it - they were far more intense than the guys had been previous to them! This demonstration went well because there were so many people who came out to help - thanks to the Dudiaks', Andrew Hamilton, Dan Coode, John Brunning, Lavinia Surdu, Laurie Karchewski, Dawn Hurion, Jamie Foulger, Tony Vasquez, and some energetic beginners, who gave us a run for our money. I feel badly that I don't remember your names! I know your faces!

Later in the fall we spent an entire Saturday at the Mall at Lawson Heights. Unfortunately, the turnout was not as high as I had hoped, and the burden of the demonstration fell on a small number of people. Despite this, we had a good time, and showed even more people our sport. The highlight was Amber's fleche, which carried her through Dan, through the chain links surrounding our fencing " piste" , and onto that very hard floor. It was quite spectacular - Thanks for drawing the big crowd, Amber! Thanks again to everyone who came out to take part. If I've forgotten anyone for either of these demonstrations, I'm sorry. Jean-Pierre, Amber, Dan, Dawn, John, all of you. You know who you are.

We have other malls at which we will be doing demonstrations throughout the year, including the Centre and Midtown Plaza. I hope everyone will try to make it to at least two demonstrations this year to help out. I have a partner, Courtney Beaubien, in Regina who is trying to do the same thing in that centre, and if anyone in Prince Albert wishes to help out, just let me know. Asquith and Moose Jaw are more than welcome as well. The more people we have working these, it is easier for those people who do it all the time. Not only that, but the more people there are, the more fun it is.

Brian has been working hard at setting up an SFA Homepage on the Internet. Check it out! It looks great and Brian would like to hear any ideas about what should or could be on it.

If you have any other ideas as to what sort of things we can do to get fencing more into the public eye, don't hesitate to contact me. Let me know in the Salle, or at tournaments, or give me a call. We have one of the best organizations in the country, and no one knows about it. Shape up!!!!!

ANYONE WHO WANTS TO DISTRIBUTE POSTERS AROUND THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD TO GET MORE PEOPLE INVOLVED IN FENCING, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. IT IS AN EASY AND INEXPENSIVE WAY TO PROMOTE OUR SPORT. IF YOU PROVIDE THE FOOT POWER, I WILL PROVIDE THE POSTERS/PAMPHLETS.

- Carol-Lynne

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