TIGARD, Ore. — The strips at the Northwest Fencing Center in Tigard filled with eager fencers, ranging from 10 to 14 years old, for a regional circuit event.
“I like how it's fast and how you get to fence and how quick it is,” said 10-year-old fencer Sam McBride.
More than 200 fencers from across the Pacific Northwest competed to earn points that could lead them to national competition.
“These are the same kids that will be running and gunning for NCAA Division I championships in another five or six years,” said executive director of the Northwest Fencing Center Michael McTigue.
U.S. fencing had its best results ever at the Paris Olympics: seven medals, including five golds. That's given a boost to the sport and has drawn the attention of an interesting local sponsor.
Big League Chew, the iconic bubblegum founded by Portland’s Rob Nelson, stepped up to be a part of the event, saying, “I just thought it would be fun, and it has been fun, great fun.”
The smiles on the faces of the competitors show just how much fun they are having, and it's not just about winning medals.
“It's fun to hang out with my friends and fun to work out, and it makes me feel good,” said 13-year-old Rowan Jones.
Feeling good might be the most important thing for these athletes.