“Don’t wait for opportunity; create it”

“Well done is better than well said”

My name is Alexander Mitev. I am a cadet fencer and I have been fencing since the age of 9. I have been a part of many initiatives that give back including sorting clothes to be donated to the homeless, or creating care packages for homeless. In addition I have donated all of my old equipment to initiatives that helped Ukrainian fencers. I have been competitively fencing for the past 3 years and during that period of time I have stayed very motivated and driven to win and do well.

“Leadership isn't about being in charge; it's about uplifting others.”

I am a Junior at New Trier, I love fencing, and I found some of my best friends through it. I would love to give others the opportunity to find passion for the sport and to find their community.

“Its not over, until its over.”

My name is Balthazar, I am 14 years old, and I have been fencing since I was 8. While I’m not on the strip, I enjoy playing the clarinet and playing chess with my younger brother. Through my fencing journey, I have learned skills such as persistence, patience, and discipline. Fencing not only helps me to grow physically, but it also teaches me important life lessons, including responsibility and maturity.

I believe that with what I have learned, I can share my experiences with others who don’t have access to similar outlets. Living in Chicago, just 10 minutes away from practice, I felt that the sport was easily accessible. During my summer in Peru, I was fortunate to visit a fencing club and witness firsthand how difficult their commute was and how they lacked even basic access to uniforms and equipment. I would like to collaborate with Fencing Forward to establish a partnership with one or two clubs in Lima, Peru, aiming to provide similar opportunities to those I have experienced.

“Take every opportunity now, you don’t want to later regret wasting it.”

My parents believed that kids need a balance between mind and body in order to develop holistically. They believed kids need to study hard in school, but they also believed that kids need to play sports to stay balanced. In doing so, they had me in every sport imaginable!
When I first started fencing, it didn’t click. However, I stuck with it, and the interesting thing was – my parents told me they watched me changed. They said they saw me develop more confidence, and I seem to take more lead in doing things. So much so, I became the president of the Asian Student Association at my school. So now, it’s just natural to be part of Youth Fencing Chicago!

“If fencing has taught me one thing, it’s that you won’t DO better until you BE better. At the end of the day, its all up to you.”

Throughout my fencing career I have learned that the only way to get better is to keep working hard and eventually the wins will come. I have loved spending time serving my community these past few years, especially at my soup kitchen. I love getting to talk to the needing in Spanish and being able to help people in need.

“A negative mind will never give you a positive life.”

Fencing has opened a world with many new friends, challenges, and has grown me immensely as a person. Giving back to the sport is how I extend forward what the sport gave me.

“Helping others is like helping yourself.”

I started fencing because I wanted to be just like my brother, he inspired me. As I grew as a fencer I wanted to be able to do the same thing, inspire others to pursue their passions. Fencing has been a huge part of my life and I want to help others experience it too.

“Your best strength is your faith in yourself, so nurture it for the times you’ll feel weak.”

I have been fencing for 8 years, it’s become part of my life. I love helping people who are in need and would love to do that for my fellow fencers.

“Always take the scenic route.”

I love fencing it’s not like other sports it keeps me thinking and it’s a game but it also keeps on my toes having to observe what the other person does. It’s fun and I can’t imagine what it’s like not even getting to experience fencing jusy because you don’t have the supplies for it. I want people to learn more about fencing and get the ability to do so.

“When you were young, remember that role model? Be that role model.”

I’ve been fencing for three years. My elder sisters’ involvement in the sport inspired me from a very young age and since then I’ve developed a passion for fencing which I think every kid should be able to experience. Fencing not only teaches us physical strengths but also teaches us valuable life lessons through strategic thinking and techniques which also helping improve decision-making skills, consistency and confidence. Through this program, I believe we will able to make a difference in society be helping offer opportunities and information to people who don’t have access to required resources so they can begin their fencing journey.