North American Cup fencing returns to Columbus! U.S. Fencing will hold its first senior-level Cup of the season at the Greater Columbus Convention Center January 12-15, 2007.

More than 1,000 of the nation's best fencers will compete. Several foreign competitors are expected from such nations as Canada, Poland, Hungary, Russia, Bulgaria and more.

The last North American Cup competition in Columbus, in 2002, drew 1000 fencers from states including Alaska and Hawaii, plus families and coaches. The success of that competition led U.S. Fencing to select Columbus as host for this premier event. The tournament may bring as many as 4,000 visitors to the downtown Columbus area for the three-day weekend.

This is the second of three North American Cup Division I or elite senior competitions held around the country this season. Athletes will compete at these three events for spots on the U.S. team to the World Championships in St. Petersburg, Russia in October 2007.

A Junior (Under-20) North American Cup will also take place, pitting the country’s young athletes against each other to try and earn a trip to the 2007 World Junior Fencing Championships.

The public is invited to attend all events free of charge. This is a great opportunity for Ohioans to see some of the nation's best athletes in action, including World, Pan American and Olympic team veterans and contenders.

Spectators will also have a chance to learn about the sport in a fencing education area sponsored. All of Columbus is invited to come and see one of the continent's premier sporting events.

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