Fencing Pan Am Style

Since my Pan Am inbox has been quiet lately, I thought I would re-post something I wrote on my fencing blog:Foiling Around with Swords

Re-cycling a blog — is that considered green?

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Fencing Pan Am Style:

The Pan Am Games ticket brochure came out today.

What shocked me, was how different Pan Am Fencing is from ordinary fencing.

In Pan Am Fencing there are three players:

• the front fencer who is given the sword
• the middle fencer who is given the glove 
• and the wing fencer who is given the helmet

Pan Am logo on ticket brochure

Based on what I've learned from the brochure, the wing fencer kicks the middle fencer towards the front fencer who then tries to impale the middle fencer before he himself is hit in the head. 

The middle fencer is allowed to defend using his hand, but only hitting the target area above the neck. 

The bouts last a full minute and points are scored when the sword goes clean through the middle fencer. Bonus points if the sword also goes through the wing fencer at the same time. 

Yellow cards are given for excessive kicking or dancing after the referee calls halt.

Gotta get me a ticket to that!

Props!

Pan Am Opening Ceremonies image

I am thrilled to officially be part of the Pan and Parapan Am Opening Ceremonies Team — Yeah!

There are more than 500 of us selected by TO2015 to help on stage and behind the scenes. The size of the production is awe-inspiring. Can't wait to see it all in motion.

My official capacity is Props Assistant, which is right where I wanted to be. When I sent in my application, (months ago), I had hoped for Fencing, Props or Costumes. Part of my duties as Props Assistant will be working closely with costumers, so two out of three ain't bad.

I'm still awaiting word on my Parapan Am position. All that has been confirmed to date is that I'll be part of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Until my next email...

Another tidbit

Pan Am/Parapan Am logo

Emails are dropping into my inbox fast and furiously. I never thought that getting emails could be so exciting. Each one offers another little tidbit about the summer games — slowly revealing what's going to happen but not yet letting me know enough about what I'll be doing. 

It's frustrating, wondering when, where and how many hours I'll be asked to put in, but there is the promise of the next email. It's supposed to reveal all...

The next email...

Things are speeding up in the volunteer world. I received two emails today! And soon, I will meet real people and receive my uniform and accreditation.

Since I'm scheduled to work on the opening and closing ceremonies, secrets are bound to be revealed. Unfortunately, I can't share what I learn with anyone. What I can share on this blog is the process of becoming a volunteer and what my work will entail - without letting anything out of the bag. I'm beginning to feel a little James Bondish — codes, ID badges, rendezvous for secret training sessions... I never thought that volunteering for a sports event would be a covert operation!

Looking forward to the next email...

Agent Pan Am, over and out.