The rise in popularity of fencing in Albany has been marked by the presentation of a new award.

WA Fencing will now present the Albany Fencing Club Award for Regional Fencing Champion annually, with local boy Gareth Daniel taking out the inaugural prize.
Daniel, 16, has been fencing for two years and has had a rapid rise through the ranks.

The left-handed fencer competed at competitions throughout last year and has developed a passion for the sport.

"It's similar to sword fighting and I had always wanted to try that," Daniel said.
"I tried it and have really enjoyed it, there's just something about it."

Daniel said he is considering taking the sport further but that would mean a move to Perth, which would allow him to compete in a greater number of tournaments.
There are 10 fencing clubs in Perth with Belmont City College the centre of excellence.

State treasurer Eric Ripper has become the patron for the sport in WA as it continues to grow.

Albany Fencing Club president Janet Ullinger said it is also starting to find its feet in country areas.

"We have between 10 and 20 fencers in the country although that number can fluctuate," Ullinger said.

"We should have a great deal more in the future after I introduced it to more than 300 school kids last year.

"There's a growing interest in it here and more people in the city are taking interest in what we're doing," she said. The Great Southern Duel, held last year, proved a success with even more people expected to visit this year's event.

Broome is looking to set up its own fencing club and Ullinger hopes other regional centres will develop the sport to create some country competitions in the future.

Source Albany Advertiser