Hi All,

I am not sure if everyone got this, but with all of the hub-bub going
on with the recall, I thought this was interesting.
With some luck and the settling of thing in my life I shoud l see you
all again soon (if not tonight)!

I hope that everyone has a happy and healthly New Year.
~ Heath

--
Heath Winer
hwiner@...

Begin forwarded message:

> From: US Fencing <fencing_news@...>
> Date: January 6, 2006 10:01:40 PM PST
> To: hwiner@...
> Subject: USFA Newsletter: A Message from the President
>
> US Fencing Association
> News Blast
>
> In this issue, you'll read:
> Message from the President
>
> MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES FENCING ASSOCIATION:
>  
> Because I have taken a new job and have relocated my home, I was
> unable to submit my normal column to American Fencing Magazine and
> this year-end communication is what I would have published in that
> column.
>  
> The 2005 year has come to a close. I want to thank all of you at every
> level for your support and participation in a sport that brings all
> 25,000 members of the USFA the challenges and satisfaction that keep
> us all involved.
>  
> The USFA is in good health:
> • USFA membership is larger and stronger than it has ever been.
>
> • USFA finances are robust.
>
> • Our athletes continue to show VERY strong results in the
> international arena.
>
> • I'm sure you are all well aware of the excellent showing of our
> athletes at the Leipzig World Championships!
>
> • Looking at Cadet/Junior world results thus far, we have 7 gold
> medals, 4 silver medals, 6 bronze medals, and an additional 18
> athletes finishing in the top eight. Excellent promise for the
> future! 
>
> • Many of our top athletes are receiving significant stipends to
> help them focus on training and competition.
>
> • USFA national tournaments are bigger and stronger than ever. The
> level of officiating is consistently high and the venues are meeting
> the demands of the tournaments.  
>
> • This growth creates significant challenges; there is a Task Force
> in place charged with revisiting the purpose and effectiveness of
> these events for all participants. 
>
> • The Regional Youth program is coming into its own, with better and
> larger local competition for our youngest athletes,
>
> • There is increased visibility and attention to Veteran and
> Wheelchair athletes.
>
> • A professional marketing group has been hired to place our sport
> into the broader public eye, leading to increased media coverage and
> sponsorship potential.
>
> • We are implementing programs to showcase fencing in schools for
> increased awareness of the sport.
>
> • The Athletes Advisory Group is developing a plan to form a US
> Olympic Fencing Alumni association that will promote the sport and
> support athletes in their Olympic endeavors.
>
> • The Fencing Officials Commission has a program to identify and
> facilitate the development of referees at every level.
>
> • We have reformatted our website, but there needs to be greater
> currency of events and information. That is being attended to. We are
> in the process of migrating our DOS database out of the USOC domain
> and into a database that is under our control. This database is
> compatible with current on-line registration technology and will
> finally allow us to enter the on-line registration world.
>
> • If you or anyone in your club, team, group of parents, etc., would
> like further information on any of these points, please contact me
> directly at nanderson1@... and I will be happy to dialogue with
> you or make sure that your inquiry is attended to by the most
> efficient means possible.
>  
> The ship in on a steady course. Occasional waves and storms along the
> way? Of course. That is the nature of sailing these waters.
>  
> With my warmest wishes that 2006 will bring you and yours good times
> and good friends, both within and beyond your fencing aspirations!
>  
> Nancy E. Anderson
> President, United States Fencing Association
>
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