The 2009 Endeavor Games

University of Central Oklahoma

Edmond, Oklahoma
June 2009

The University of Central Oklahoma Endeavor Games for athletes with physical disabilities was held June 14th thru June 16th. Athletes from the San Antonio Fencing Center, Ian Penry, Kurt Oswald, and coach Gary Van Der Wege assisted in a demonstration of Wheelchair Fencing, which they hope will be added to the list of events at the Endeavor Games.
Our group was joined by fencing clubs from Mississippi and Oklahoma. Olympic and paralympic fencing coach, Jerry Benson, gave some very useful information to all of the participants. Click any picture to get a the larger version.
Participants did sparring, and the fencing marathon lasted from 8:00 a.m. until almost 6:00 p.m. The chairs are held in the frames with a ratchet straps and a unique claw device that is clamped down with a system much like a car jack. The chairs have to oppose each other when the two competitors are the "same handed", and must mirror each other when a "lefty" competes against a "righty". It requires unbolting the chairs and moving them.
The "Wellness Center" at UCO was very accessible. The entire campus has been made accessible to wheelchairs.
The distance between chairs is adjusted with a twin screw rachet system. The sitting volleyball games were held in the same gym, and drew a good crowd.



Watch a quick video of a "touch" during a training bout.
We look forward to the National meet in Dallas this July 4th.

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John Penry
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