I was working as a media manager at the IWAS World Cup Wheelchair Fencing in Stadskanaal (The Netherlands). During this event I was responsible for press contacts, video livestream, photography, social media and website updates. It was real multi tasking! I’m thankful for all the compliments from the whole world for this work. In this way people at home and fans were possible to stay updated of the competition.
I just wanted to drop you an email to thank you for the fantastic media coverage from the World Cup in Stadskanaal. We have received great feedback from supporters and fans of fencing around the world, particularly the live video feed. The regular photo updates have also been great throughout the competition! – Elin George, Head of Operations IWAS
Hereby a report:
Thrilling final between Poland and Italy marks end of exciting World Cup
The last duels; Women’s Team Epee and Men’s Team Foil were nail biting for the spectators! In both semi final and final the men’s team of Italy fought until the last hit for their victory. They sent France to home in the semi finals with a score of 44-45. The French won bronze later on. Also in the thrilling final against Poland, the last hit was made by the Italians. The women’s teams played the epee competition with 6 teams. Classic fencing nation Hungary won the final against Poland with 45-36. Hong Kong took the bronze medal home by beating France.
Individual fencers Ukraine successful on saber
Before the team competitions we had also men and women competing on saber. Ukraine didn’t reach the stage in the team competition, but individual fencers were very successful on saber this day. They won 6 medals together out of 11 in total World Cup. Yevheniia Breus (women’s category A) won gold by beating Eva Andrea Hajmasi from Hungary with 15-9. Nataliia Morkvych from Ukraine got bronze, as well as Andrea Mogos from Italy. The first place in category B was taken by Saysunee Jana from Thailand. She won the final easily with a score of 15-7 in disadvantage of Nadia Doloh from Ukraine. Patrycja Hareza from Poland and Irma Khetsuriani from Georgia became third.
The Ukrainian Andrii Demchuk met his compatriot Artem Manko in the semi finals. Demchuk won with 15-8 and faced Richard Osvath from Hungary in the finals. Osvath had a good day and beated Demchuk with 15-8. Earlier Osvath sent the Greek Vasileios Ntounis home in the semi finals. The stage was for Adrian Castro from Poland in Men’s Saber category B. In the finals the Italian Alessio Sarri didn’t made it an easy win for Castro. But Castro proved he was the best by beating Sarri with 15-11. Before, in the semi finals it was even harder for Sarri. He has some difficulties with the Frenchman Yannick Ifebe. Ifebe lost with 15-12 and took bronze. Also Anton Datsko from Ukraine was not an easy victory for finalist Castro. Datsko had to put his weapon down with a 15-12 loss and received bronze too.
Compliments for well organized World Cup
The local organization committee received lots of compliments for the well organized World Cup Wheelchair Fencing in Stadskanaal. Event manager Gaby van Achterberg-Ertekin: “Athletes and delegations were satisfied with the venue and facilities at Pagedal. We showed that we are able to organize a great international competition. Hopefully we can manage to have an European or World Championship in Stadskanaal in the future.” The whole world was watching the thrilling (semi) finals thanks to a video livestream. This was highly appreciated by fans and families who couldn’t travel to The Netherlands.
A lot of people questioned why the World Cup wasn’t held near Amsterdam. But after staying for a while at Pagedal there was no doubt: Stadskanaal (near northern city Groningen) was the place to be for this World Cup. The specious venue made is easy to move between the various pistes. There was plenty of space for training, storage of items and for rest. Now the venue is empty again and the delegations and organization are back home. Event director Edwin Postma: “We are proud to have had such a beautiful Paralympic elite sport event in the Netherlands. We are thankful for all the efforts of the organization, volunteers, officials and referees. They made this World Cup a big success!”
