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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>This class will be led by a Sligo Creek chapter member and his assistant.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Debbie<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'> MD-Sligo <md-sligo-bounces@nfbnet.org> <b>On Behalf Of </b>fencer--- via MD-Sligo<br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, August 26, 2026 12:56 PM<br><b>To:</b> md-sligo@nfbnet.org<br><b>Cc:</b> fencer@fencer.com<br><b>Subject:</b> [MD-Sligo] Blind Fencing Class to Start September 11<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>There is still time to register for the blind fencing class. See the information below:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>Blind Fencing Class Announcement Fall 2026<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>Learn how to use a sword! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>Fencing, for the sighted, has been an Olympic sport since the beginning of the modern Olympics. Fencing for the disabled (wheelchair bound) is a sport competed in the Para Olympics. Fencing for the blind is now being organized and is growing in the US and abroad. We hope that it will also be included in the Para Olympics in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>Fencing can help develop orientation and mobility skills. It is an energentic sport that can enhance reflexes, balance and coordination. It also requires strategy and tactics to win against an opponent. The sport is very safe as the fencing uniform provides ample protection. The swords are not sharp; they have a small tip at the end that depresses and lights up a light and sounds a buzzer when a fencer is stabbed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>A class to teach fencing to adults who are legally blind is being offered at Chevy Chase Fencing Club. Registration for the Class is now open. the class is only for those who are legally blind and ages 13 and above. The class size will be limited to ten students. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>The classes are at the Chevy Chase Community Center, 5601 Connecticut Avenue, NW, just a few blocks into DC.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>Classes will begin on Friday , September 11. The class will meet on Friday evenings, 7:00pm to 8:00pm,, for 10 one-hour sessions. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>Full uniform and equipment is provided to the students for use during the class. Students are asked to wear short pants (so that the fencing knickers can be worn overtop), long knee-length socks, and athletic shoes (no sandals or Crocs). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>Registration is online at <a href="https://fencer.com/fencing-class-registration/">https://fencer.com/fencing-class-registration/</a>. The registration fee is $250 for the semester. If additional funding can be found before the start of the classes the registration fee will be reduced and a refund of the difference will be given to those who have already paid. It may be possible for students who have hardship paying the full fee can get supplemental financial assistance from generous sources.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>Register now. if there are any problems with your registration submittal , look for error messages at the top of the webpage.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>If you have any questions, please contact me at <a href="mailto:fencer@fencer.com">fencer@fencer.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>Raymond Finkleman, Fencing Master<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'>Member of the Sligo Creek Chapter of NFB<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:20.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>