Ghanaians to be special visitors at Highland Open fencing tournament in Elgin
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THE most northerly open fencing tournament in the United Kingdom is set to return to Elgin High School this month – with a record entry, and some far-travelled attendees.
After an enforced absence of two years due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Highland Open will return to Elgin on September 24 and 25.
The nationally-ranked fencing competition is on track to secure a record number of entries – with one team travelling more than 5000 miles to compete.
Robin Paterson, Elgin Duellist Fencing Club head coach and secretary of the competition organising committee, confirmed that Ghana Men’s National Sabre Team would be attending the event.
He said he was "flattered" to welcome the Africans to the competition, subject to the approval of their Visas.
Abubakari Alhassan Samba, Head of the Athletics Commission Ghana Fencing Association, said: “Our national team is preparing for next year’s Africa Games and World Championships, in line with preparations towards the next Olympics in Paris.
"The Highland Open will be an excellent warm up event for our five man national men’s sabre team.”
The Ghanaians are one of more than 20 clubs to enter the competition. Robin added: “This is the eighth year that Elgin Duellist Fencing Club has hosted this competition.
"At this stage, we have secured more than 80 entries from fencers representing over 20 fencing clubs."
For Elgin Duellist Fencing Club, another highlight of the weekend will be watching club coach and Scottish international fencer, Callum Sutherland, defend his Men’s Epee title that he won in 2019.
The 24-year-old will be expecting some fierce fights in a tough field that includes ex-Olympian, and very much on-form, north section epeeist, Hugh Kernohan.
In total, a record 14 fencers, including seven school aged duellists, will be competing over the two days in the Men’s and Women’s Foil, Epee and Sabre categories.
Robin added: “With the nearest fencing tournaments usually being held in the central belt of Scotland, there has always been a strong equalities rationale for organising this competition in Elgin.
"Especially for our young duellists, they would be denied the opportunity to fight some of the best fencers in Scotland and further afield if we did not run this competition locally.
"We hope this year’s Highland Open will be a memorable experience for them.”
Due to the level of interest in fencing from local primary school aged children, Elgin Duellist Fencing Club will once again be offering taster sessions in plastic fencing during the tournament.
These sessions are free and open to any primary school aged child. The sessions will take place at Elgin High School during the weekend of the Highland Open. The session will start at 3pm on the Saturday and 2pm on the Sunday.
There is no need to book a place in advance but Robin Paterson can be contacted on 01343 541302 with regards to further information.
