The National Fencing Association of Malta (NFAM) recently took part in the Championships of the Mediterranean Countries held in Hammamet, Tunisia. The Maltese contingent was made up of seven fencers and two coaches.

The participation was funded by the MIA Youth Sport Development Policy , a joint initiative by the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport and the Malta International Airport to promote young talent in various sporting disciplines.

These championships featured the participation of 10 countries including Italy, France and Spain who are considered to be leaders in this Olympic sport.

Malta's female Epee fencers turned in the best performance, scoring two wins in the pools against Tunisia and Greece. Nadine Caruana, who, at 13 years of age was the youngest Maltese participant, won her bout against Tunisian Jendli but lost the direct elimination duel 5-15 to Rizzi, of Italy, who went on to top the event.

Jessica Vella also cut a good figure, winning her bout against Greek Ambalov. In the direct elimination, she lost to Guzzi of Italy 4-15.

Marie-Jo Scicluna was quite unlucky in the individual foil event as she came up against some of the strongest fencers in the pools. The Maltese still managed to score points on all but one fencer. During the direct eliminations, Scicluna succumbed 5-15 to Straniero of Italy, the eventual winner.

Sarah Grech mustered three hits during the direct eliminations against Camilla of Italy who placed third overall. The male foilists, Darryl Pisani and James Grech, scored points on almost all their opponents.

Grech suffered a narrow defeat 4/5 against the Tunisian Abderrazek. Sean Gauci took part in the male Epee individual event.

The plan of the NFAM for the next three years focuses on training and development of talent that the young fencers possess. This scheme falls within the concept of the MIA Youth Development Sports Policy and has been shortlisted to benefit from the fund.

While in Tunisia, the NFAM made a bid to organise the fifth Championships of the Mediterranean Countries in Malta. Thanks to the technical assistance offered by the Italian federation, Malta earned the right to host the championships in January 2008.

This year, the NFAM will organise the Malta National Championships on March 4 and 5.

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