Fencers to Spar in Lightsaber Tournament

ABINGDON, MD - In honor of the new Star Wars movie, one organization is busting out the lightsabers.

Maryland Fencing Club in Abingdon has put together a lightsaber tournament Friday in which its members will perform choreographed routines and spar in duels.

The tournament coincides with the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Admission is free but spectators should bring winter clothing donations to benefit the Harford Community Action Agency and the International Rescue Committee in Baltimore.

Coach Greg Paye said that the Maryland Fencing Club traditionally throws a Christmas party that benefits a charity.

“My students have been so excited for the new Star Wars movie...and I just made an off-hand joke about having a lightsaber tournament,” Paye said. “The kids’ reactions were so overwhelming that I knew I had to put something together.”

So now instead of a Christmas party, the club is hosting a lightsaber tournament. Paye said he selected the two charities as a demonstration of gratitude, and when he asked what they needed, both organizations said winter clothing was in high demand.

All are welcome to attend and watch the lightsaber tournament. To compete, contestants must be current or former members of Maryland Fencing Club, which provides instruction in the sport. (Read the rules and register for the tournament.)

The Maryland Fencing Club is located at 3011 Emmorton Road in Abingdon. The lightsaber tournament will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18. It is open to the public.

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