Howdy!
It's that time again. VOTING TIME. USA Fencing Elections started four days ago and less than 30 votes have been cast. Folks, LESS THAN THIRTY PEOPLE. There are tens of thousands of us working hard and paying the bills. Let's do this!!!!!
I'll keep it short and sweet:
USA Fencing's Board of Directors is looking to fill two (2) At-Large Director Seats. Here's the lineup (in alphabetical order):
Igor Chirashnya (Central California Division) - VOTE FOR IGOR
Iana Dakova (Western Pennsylvania Division)
Andrey Geva (Gulf Coast Division) - VOTE FOR ANDREY
Alex Goor (Northern California Division)
Sue Mohebi (Southern California Division)
Maria Panyi (Gold Coast Florida Division) - VOTE FOR MARIA
Jeffrey Salmon (Long Island Division)
I've highlighted my three picks above. It's ranked-choice voting again, so I'm asking you to put Maria, Igor and Andrey at the top of your list. Why? Because they are all exceptionally qualified and highly motivated to make fencers, coaches, clubs, logistics and fiscal responsibility a priority in our organization. And because I know them. They are ready to work hard for you and your family. These are not "lip service" candidates. They are "skill service" candidates. Read about them, if you don't believe me. And reach out to them if you have questions.
If you forgot to renew your membership since the last time we did this (last year), it's okay. You can still renew. In order to vote in this round, you have to have a current voting membership as of February 1st, 2024. If you don't have one (or you are the parent of one of the under-18 kiddos who make up the majority of USA Fencing Membership but doesn't have actual voting rights - *seriously* *eye roll*) you still have homework to do:
Talk to every competitive member in your club this week. Tell them when, where and how to vote. Call your friends, friends!
Election links and details are here: Election Information
Put Maria, Igor and Andrey at the TOP of the list.
DEADLINE: Elections end MAY 27th!
Also up for election are the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Nominees and the Referees Commission Nominees.
If you're getting this email, you've already learned something about my family's fencing story. If you've forgotten, go back and read my very first post.
Coach Amgad Khazbak - aside from being a world-class champion fencer and Olympic Gold Medalist Coach (his professional accolades are seriously too long to list here) - is a person very special to my family (and many others in our community and around the world).
For the past few years he has provided opportunities for our children that we did not think possible. He is more than just a fencing coach. He is like a great tree in a great forest that protects and nourishes everything around him.
Coach Amgad is a Hall of Fame Nominee this year. Please give him your vote. I cannot think of a man more deserving of such a great honor - as he honors our fencers, our families, our community and our nation each day with his time, love, passion and talent.
And Coach, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.
Take care of yourselves and we'll see you in Columbus!
xoxoxoxo,
Christina