CFL organizes two-day fencing tourney

CEBU, Philippines - It's all systems go for the 1st Flores Cup Fencing Tournament this weekend in separate venues. The first day of action will take place at the Sacred Heart Sports Center along D. Jakosalem Street, while the final battle will be held on Sunday at the Activity Center of Ayala Center Cebu.

Kyra Cabaero of the organizing Cebu Fencing League (CFL) relayed via e-mail that the Flores Cup will feature the foil and epee competition for boys and girls 17-under athletes and the open foil contest in both men and women's division.

The event is organized by the Cebu Fencing Club, which was formed 16 years ago when a few students from the University of the Philippines (UP)-Cebu College started a small fencing club with great dreams of spreading the sport and developing premier athletes. The club kept growing as its took part in more tournaments all the way to the national Level.

In 2002, the club formally named itself Cebu Fencing League to cater to the growing number of Cebuano fencers. CFL engaged in many competitions and organized invitational tournaments, bringing in top players from all over the country to test the mettle of the local athletes.

Today, CFL provides support to smaller fencing clubs and schools, organizes monthly competitions and advanced training for competitive fencers.

After a five-year hiatus, CFL has re-established itself and has lined up activities this year to help promote fencing.

To start the ball rolling, CFL is staging the Flores Cup pitting members of the club with guest fencers from Manila in a two-day joust.  (FREEMAN)