Fencing for Kids in Bulgaria

Here are some photos of Atom's club in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to help Atom's club grow and prosper. We will be donating $10 from every entry fee this weekend to help get better equipment for his kids.

Of course your donations are welcome as well.

Below are some comment from our friends in Bulgaria

Thanks, Ron

My name is Atom Sogoyan, fencing trainer.

I began training in 1981 and ever since then fencing has been a large part of my life. Till 1994 I lived in Armenia which was then a part of the former USSR. In 1989 I placed first in a fencing competition making me the Armenian champion of my age group. I won a series of international tournaments held in the USSR. In 1988 a lot of changes and later a civil war started in Armenia. I left in search for better life somewhere in the world.

I arrived in Bulgaria in 1994 and for almost 10 years for economic reasons I had no chances to train at all. Finally in October 2006 an opportunity opened up and I decided not to let it go. Even though I was of Armenian citizenship I was allowed to participate in the Bulgarian country wide competition and I won first place and became the new champion of Bulgaria which was unbelievable.

When I started training for this competition I remembered how much I love fencing and decided to begin teaching young kids. I now have a class of about 12 kids I train. So I turned to some clubs Bulgaria Sofia Mission counselor President Roger Johnson gave me their e-mails and Utah Wasatch Fencing responded willing to help because our fencing equipment is just not enough.

Dear friends, how can we thank you for doing that and for supporting our small start-up club!

I love fencing because it's a very elegant sport. I love fights the most where speed and quick thinking are most important. I really want to focus and improve with my fencing. Recently I participated in my first competition and won a bronze medal. Next time I hope I'll be able to do even better.

Avedi Dadinozyan, 10

I've been practicing fencing for almost a year now. There isn't anybody making me train, I gladly do it on my own will. My trainer is very good! He teaches me how to fence better and because of that I continue to go. At first it was not very exciting but after a while it got really interesting. I want to become the world champion of fencing! That's why I go there. I love this sport!

Zornitza, 11

I love fencing because for me it is the most beautiful sport. I have fun as I train! The practices are hard but since fencing is already my favorite sport I figure out with a little more effort and a lot of patience I will learn to fence!

Tony Koseva, 10

I train for fencing because I like it and there is not another sport which I like better. I really love to spar because when I play or train it gives me joy! When someone chooses a sport they need to like it.

Ines Sogoyan, 11

For almost one year or so I have trained for fencing. With my own desire and pleasure i go into the fencing hall. Training is very good, you can train 2-3 times a week or every other day. We had a competition around a week ago and I got 10th place! I want to become the WORLD CHAMPION of fencing! Fencing to me is like a hobby, no one forces me to do go. I don't do it for someone else, I do it for myself. In the hall everyone including kids, trainers, and other people are very kind and helpful. I LOVE THIS SPORT!!!!!!!!!!!

Rafiela Chitak, 11

I go to training because of the sport. From training I learn many things: concentration, flexibility, technique, quickness and exactness. We never give up our on our friend because we are one for all and all for one! In fencing age doesn't matter, only desire. I love the desire to participate in competitions and to win!

Damyan Ivanov, 11