Welcome,

If you have accessed this page, then it is likely you have an interest in the team and are considering some form of assistance to the fencing program. Before you read any further, we want you to know that every donation will be appreciated and used to benefit the Western Fencers.

We are pleased to announce that fencing continues to be a recognized varsity sport at Western. We are still going strong and proud to be Mustangs! However, the team is now self-funded which means we are responsible for all costs associated with running a varsity team such as purchasing equipment; paying tournament entry fees, transportation, hotel accommodations; and renting gym space for practices.

The Western Varsity Fencing team cannot do this alone. We will need financial support in order to compete in the upcoming 2003-2004 season. If you have a business, the fencing team will be able to provide valuable publicity in exchange for your support. Other forms of marketing are also possible; we are open to creative suggestions! If you are a friend, family, or alumni, we know that you are probably contributing already in the form of tuition for your fencer or donations to another faculty at the university. In this case, we are especially grateful for your help, knowing that there are many requests for your donation dollars.

We are doing our best too. Each team member contributes $150 to the team and also must provide a substantial amount of personal equipment in order to fence for UWO. The cost of outfitting one fencer from top to bottom is approximately $600-700, and each fencer needs a minimum of two weapons ($100 ea.) in good condition, in order to compete. In total the fencing team needs to raise a minimum of $25,000 for the season. We need help to do this. Your contribution will assist our twenty-four athletes (dedicated, successful young academics) to train and compete.

The team’s competition calendar is comprised of six OUA (Ontario University Athletics) related events located all across Ontario as well as provincial and national tournaments. Western Fencing supports gender equity in that we have all three weapons (foil, epee, and sabre) being fenced by men's and women's teams. We also have men and women coaches and assistant coaches. The team members practice and train together but compete separately.

Click on the link below for a printable form to "Adopt-an-Athlete" designed by UWO Intercollegiate Athletics to assist us in our funding efforts. All donations are tax-deductible and although the form suggests $300, all donations are welcome. To show our appreciation for your donation, we will thank you publicly on our website www.westernfencing.ca and provide you with a receipt for income tax deduction.
Thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please get in touch with us by phone at (519) 681-8330, or through our website.