Local Teacher Competes In Commonwealth Veteran Fencing Championships

Did you ever wonder what your teacher did when they were not standing in front of a classroom?  Norman Johnston Secondary Alternate student, Corey Goudreault did and what he found out elevated his opinion of his teacher, Mr. Pat McArthur.

Mr. McArthur recently returned to school after a four day trip to Scotland and the local high school teacher was not in the land of the brave for the pipes and drums.  This Gloucester area teacher was there to compete in the biennial Commonwealth Veteran (40+) Fencing Championships.

Student, Corey Gourdreault says, “His teacher arrived back in Canada safe and sound but his luggage however, was a different story. Apparently, Air Canada staff has some issues with a man carrying around a wide duffel bag stuffed with blades and wires.”

Mr. McArthur is a veteran in the _ 40+ Fencing Circuit _ in Canada but even he was surprised when he received an invitation to attend the championships held in Scotland. The Scotland event is one of the most prestigious fencing competitions across the globe.

Mr. McArthur is an experienced sabre fencer. The valid target area in saber fencing is defined as any part of the body from the waist up, including the arms & head. See more about saber fencing at http://www.cuttingedgefencing.ca/about-fencing/sabre/ When asked what he thought of the opposition, Mr. McArthur said “The competition was fierce. There were several Gold Medal Olympic athletes and some world champions in the competition.” The multi-talented teacher was impressively undaunted, however. Though scores have yet to be completely tallied, Mr. McArthur believes he will finish in the 27th - 32nd range within the veteran circuit of the entire commonwealth.

When asked what he thought of the event, he replied “It was a fantastic event. Like all international events it was a bit chaotic but it worked out.”  The proud fencer said he would gladly compete again – if asked.

When Mr. McArthur wasn’t skewering and or being skewered he was simply enjoying the opportunity of a life-time – one he shared with his students and the staff of Norman Johnston Secondary Alternate Program.