1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,760 Okay, so we're diving into something that caught my eye. 2 00:00:02,760 --> 00:00:06,260 USA Fencing, they put out this press release 3 00:00:06,260 --> 00:00:07,360 and it's got people talking. 4 00:00:07,360 --> 00:00:10,240 Yeah, it's definitely interesting. 5 00:00:10,240 --> 00:00:12,680 And we're gonna unpack it a little, 6 00:00:12,680 --> 00:00:14,560 see what's really going on because on the surface, 7 00:00:14,560 --> 00:00:18,040 it's all about making fencing more accessible. 8 00:00:18,040 --> 00:00:19,880 And who doesn't love that, right? 9 00:00:19,880 --> 00:00:22,280 But for those of us who follow the sport, 10 00:00:22,280 --> 00:00:23,960 there's always more to the story. 11 00:00:23,960 --> 00:00:24,800 Always. 12 00:00:24,800 --> 00:00:26,440 So let's start with the basics. 13 00:00:26,440 --> 00:00:30,200 USA Fencing is teaming up with Absolute Fencing. 14 00:00:30,200 --> 00:00:31,800 Which for listeners who aren't familiar, 15 00:00:31,800 --> 00:00:34,760 Absolute Fencing, they're a big supplier of, you know. 16 00:00:34,760 --> 00:00:35,600 Year, yeah. 17 00:00:35,600 --> 00:00:37,920 Yeah, all the gear you need from head to toe. 18 00:00:37,920 --> 00:00:42,840 And they're launching this program to get this, 19 00:00:42,840 --> 00:00:45,040 collect and donate fencing equipment. 20 00:00:45,040 --> 00:00:46,480 At national tournament. 21 00:00:46,480 --> 00:00:49,040 Exactly, so smart, right? 22 00:00:49,040 --> 00:00:51,720 I mean, talk about a captive audience. 23 00:00:51,720 --> 00:00:55,160 As the article mentions making fencing more accessible, 24 00:00:55,160 --> 00:00:57,360 specifically in under-resourced areas. 25 00:00:57,360 --> 00:00:59,000 Right, that's what caught my attention. 26 00:00:59,000 --> 00:01:00,080 This seems like they're trying to reach 27 00:01:00,080 --> 00:01:01,200 a whole new audience. 28 00:01:01,200 --> 00:01:02,680 Yeah, and I think that's huge. 29 00:01:02,680 --> 00:01:04,680 Because fencing, let's be honest, 30 00:01:04,680 --> 00:01:07,600 it often gets this rap as being like an elite sport. 31 00:01:07,600 --> 00:01:09,080 Right, it's got that reputation. 32 00:01:09,080 --> 00:01:11,240 And that's partly because of the cost barrier. 33 00:01:11,240 --> 00:01:13,400 Gear is expensive, lessons aren't cheap, 34 00:01:13,400 --> 00:01:16,600 and then you factor in travel for competitions. 35 00:01:16,600 --> 00:01:17,920 It adds up fast. 36 00:01:17,920 --> 00:01:19,320 Yeah, for sure. 37 00:01:19,320 --> 00:01:21,240 So this program, it seems like they're trying 38 00:01:21,240 --> 00:01:22,760 to break down those barriers. 39 00:01:22,760 --> 00:01:24,680 At least when it comes to the cost of equipment. 40 00:01:24,680 --> 00:01:26,560 Exactly, and what I find really interesting 41 00:01:26,560 --> 00:01:28,040 is how they're going about it. 42 00:01:28,040 --> 00:01:30,880 I mean, they're not just setting up random donation boxes 43 00:01:30,880 --> 00:01:32,080 in fencing clubs or whatever, 44 00:01:32,080 --> 00:01:35,360 they're leveraging these huge events. 45 00:01:35,360 --> 00:01:37,560 The NAC, the Super Junior Cadet Circuit. 46 00:01:37,560 --> 00:01:38,640 Big, big tournaments. 47 00:01:38,640 --> 00:01:40,080 Right, so they're tapping into this 48 00:01:40,080 --> 00:01:42,160 existing infrastructure, it's efficient, 49 00:01:42,160 --> 00:01:44,280 it raises awareness, and it gets people 50 00:01:44,280 --> 00:01:45,800 thinking about the bigger picture. 51 00:01:45,800 --> 00:01:49,760 Okay, so let's say I've got some fencing gear in my attic. 52 00:01:49,760 --> 00:01:52,800 Well, they do specifically say gently used, 53 00:01:52,800 --> 00:01:55,040 so maybe not the bent blade, 54 00:01:55,040 --> 00:01:57,800 but they are open to a wide range of stuff. 55 00:01:57,800 --> 00:01:59,760 I mean, the article lists blades, masks, 56 00:01:59,760 --> 00:02:02,720 lame, even body cords, and scoring equipment. 57 00:02:02,720 --> 00:02:04,320 Oh, wow, so like the whole shebang. 58 00:02:04,320 --> 00:02:06,520 Pretty much, and the article even mentions 59 00:02:06,520 --> 00:02:09,840 that the list isn't limited to those specific items, so. 60 00:02:09,840 --> 00:02:12,960 So like, if you think it might be useful, just go for it. 61 00:02:12,960 --> 00:02:15,200 It seems that way, which I appreciate. 62 00:02:15,200 --> 00:02:17,240 It shows that they're trying to be flexible 63 00:02:17,240 --> 00:02:19,360 and meet the needs of different communities. 64 00:02:19,360 --> 00:02:20,760 Right, because a beginner fencer, 65 00:02:20,760 --> 00:02:24,000 they don't need like the absolute top of the line gear. 66 00:02:24,000 --> 00:02:27,200 Exactly, a lot of times kids are growing so fast, 67 00:02:27,200 --> 00:02:29,480 they outgrow their gear before they even have a chance 68 00:02:29,480 --> 00:02:31,720 to really wear it out. 69 00:02:31,720 --> 00:02:34,360 So I'm picturing these huge bins at these tournaments, 70 00:02:34,360 --> 00:02:36,360 just overflowing with fencing gear. 71 00:02:36,360 --> 00:02:39,120 Right, though you can also mail your donation 72 00:02:39,120 --> 00:02:42,120 directly to Absolute Fencing in New Jersey, if you prefer. 73 00:02:42,120 --> 00:02:43,080 Well, that's good to know. 74 00:02:43,080 --> 00:02:45,200 Just keep in mind, if you do choose to mail it, 75 00:02:45,200 --> 00:02:47,800 you're responsible for the shipping costs. 76 00:02:47,800 --> 00:02:50,240 Makes sense, okay, so bottom line, 77 00:02:50,240 --> 00:02:54,160 USA Fencing is trying to make fencing more accessible. 78 00:02:54,160 --> 00:02:56,640 And not just paying lip service to it, you know. 79 00:02:56,640 --> 00:02:59,160 They're actually putting a system in place. 80 00:02:59,160 --> 00:03:01,280 And it'll be interesting to see how it all plays out. 81 00:03:01,280 --> 00:03:04,040 Like, will we see a surge in participation 82 00:03:04,040 --> 00:03:05,640 from under-resourced areas? 83 00:03:05,640 --> 00:03:08,960 And will it change how people view fencing? 84 00:03:08,960 --> 00:03:10,760 Right, that's the million dollar question. 85 00:03:10,760 --> 00:03:20,760 Exactly, I, for one, am curious to see what happens next.