Youth Fencing Tournament

Last Saturday, June 15th, starting at 10 am, the Youth Fencing Tournament was held, organized by Esgrima Vallarta under the direction of Coach Jennifer Lobato with support from COMUDE Puerto Vallarta. It was a morning of competitions among children and teenagers who, with great discipline and love for the sport, competed and won honorary medals. Fencing, a discipline with deep historical and cultural roots, offers multiple benefits for the youth of Puerto Vallarta. Learning this sport not only provides them with a new physical skill but also significantly contributes to their personal and social development. In a coastal city known for its tourism and natural beauty, introducing activities like fencing can diversify recreational and educational options for the local youth.

Firstly, fencing improves the physical condition of young people. This sport requires agility, speed, and coordination, contributing to the development of essential physical abilities. Through regular practice, youth improve their cardiovascular endurance, strengthen their muscles, and develop better hand-eye coordination. These benefits not only enhance their performance in other sports but also promote a healthy lifestyle.

Additionally, fencing fosters mental and emotional development. Concentration and quick decision-making are fundamental in this sport, helping young people improve their attention span and problem-solving skills. Fencing also teaches them to handle pressure and stay calm in stressful situations, skills that are transferable to other aspects of life, such as academics and interpersonal relationships. Discipline and respect are key values in fencing. Young people learn to follow strict rules and respect their opponents and coaches. This respect translates into better work ethics and behavior outside the sporting arena. Adherence to a strict code of conduct also instills a sense of responsibility and self-discipline, crucial elements for academic and professional success.

Fencing also provides a platform for socialization and teamwork. Despite being an individual sport, practicing at COMUDE and participating in competitions foster a sense of community. Young people have the opportunity to interact with their peers, make new friends, and develop social skills in a positive and motivating environment. Participation in fencing competitions can open doors to educational opportunities and scholarships. Many colleges and universities value involvement in sports like fencing because of the skills and values practitioners develop. For the youth of Puerto Vallarta, this can mean access to prestigious educational institutions and the possibility of continuing their academic and athletic training at a higher level.

Promoting fencing also has a positive cultural and community impact. It encourages the diversification of sports and recreational activities in Puerto Vallarta, offering young people an enriching alternative to more traditional options. This not only contributes to the health and well-being of individuals but also strengthens the social fabric of the community. Fencing can inspire young people to appreciate history and tradition. This sport has a rich heritage dating back centuries, and learning about its evolution can spark an interest in history and culture. For the youth of Puerto Vallarta, this can translate into a greater sense of identity and belonging, as well as an appreciation for diverse cultural expressions.

The practice of fencing offers a wide range of physical, mental, emotional, and social benefits for the youth of Puerto Vallarta. It not only helps them develop essential skills and important values but also opens doors to new opportunities and enriches the local community. Promoting this discipline can have a lasting and positive impact on the lives of young people and the integral development of the city. Therefore, Vallarta Today congratulates all the winners of the tournament:

**Children's Category

Iyari López Cueto Velez

Dario Romo García

Dante de la Torre Fernández

Miguel Montiel Esparza

**Women's Category

Iballa Kai Finer Nava

Maria Regina Montiel Esparza

Julieta de la Torre Fernández

Sofía Díaz de León Rodríguez

Dulce Fernanda Alvarez Gaytan

**Men's Category

Jorge Tovar

Marco Polo Solis Arrez

Romario Karim Olivo Lopez

Jose Luis Lujano Hernandez

Dylan Enrique Murguia Garcia

Jorge de la Torre Iniguez

Etienne Emmanuel Smith

Angel Mateo Murillo Rodríguez

Esgrima Vallarta is the first formal fencing school in Puerto Vallarta. Coach Jenny Lobato is available for information at 3222173540. Training sessions are planned for children and adults starting at 7 years old. The locations are as follows:

*COMUDE, Calle 01 de Junio #221, Colonia Bobadilla, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.

*Evolution Athletic Camp, Bahia de Banderas 63735, Colonia Nuevo Nayarit, Nayarit.

*COMBAT Multitraining Center, Calle Sierra Aconcagua 111-A, Colonia Olimpica, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.