CHAPTER 5
FENCING
2023 began with renewed motivation and dedication for the fencers . Even with the knowledge that this would be the final year that they would represent the school , the Josephian fencers were not at all discouraged . Instead , they were determined to give their best in their graduating year .
Weekly training sessions centred on weapons handling , sparring sessions , weapons check , and fitness conditioning . Such comprehensive preparation placed them in good stead for the 2023 National School Games Fencing Championships , which started on 17 April and lasted for about two weeks . This highly competitive setting saw more than 200 athletes competing in the three main weapons — epee , foil , and sabre . Athletes are placed according to poules , or the grouping of fencers and fencing teams in the competition , based on their age group and gender . Depending on their performance at the competition , about 70 % of the athletes were promoted to the next round that featured the knockout phase .
The Josephian fencers battled hard in their respective poules . Ethan Ng Ming Jun ( LE301 ) and Matthew Alexander Pang Rui-Shen ( LE401 ), as well as Olivier Sujun Morel ( MN403 ), moved into the knockout round . Despite the fierce competition in their poules , the three fencers held their ground and did not lose their composure .
Mattthew , in particular , put in a string of excellent runs to reach the finals in the Epee category where he met his opponent from Singapore Sports School . It was a nail-biting affair as they each sought to edge ahead in points during their duel , and Matthew eventually placed a commendable 2nd in this round .
Although the fencers did not place first overall , spectators could not deny that each and every one of them demonstrated discipline , tenacity , and sportsmanship , doing the SJI name proud throughout the competition .
TEACHER-IN-CHARGE Mr Wong Ting Hsin ( Teacher I / C )
STUDENT EXCO Olivier Sujun Morel ( MN403 ) / Captain Matthew Alexander Pang Rui-Shen ( LE401 ) / Vice Captain
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