Join my journey as I take the first step toward the next Olympics!
Hello everyone! I’m back with my latest campaign! Thank you to Richard Skura yet again for the video and photos for this campaign. I want to thank everyone who has been part of my journey so far and supported me the last 3 seasons. I came very close to qualifying for the Rio Olympics after only having 3 and a half years of international fencing experience, and you were all a huge part of that journey. The improvements I saw in the last season alone proved to me that I needed to continue.
Fencing has taught me so much about myself. I've learned about my strengths and weaknesses and how hard I can push myself physically and mentally. I have been to 3 World Championships and the Pan American Games. To become a world-class athlete I had to push my limits and develop incredible self-discipline. The thing is, I want more and I know I can do more. I am ready to push my limits even further as I know that I can work my way onto a podium. My ultimate goal is gold in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics!
To make my Olympic Dream a reality, I need to partake in another journey. I will again be traveling the world and competing against many different opponents. I’m still one of the top ranked fencers in Canada.
I would love to have as many people as I can join me in my journey to Tokyo! I hope that those of you who supported me on my journey to try and qualify for Rio will continue their support. I do not receive any funding and I work a full time job to try and make ends meet. Your contributions will go toward the costs of training, travel, registration fees, and health care and it is crucial for enabling me to meet my goals this season.
Here is a list of the events I plan on attending this year to try to increase my International ranking and to be on top of the Canadian rankings (please keep in mind that I must pay for flights, hotel, registration, food, etc. for each and every one of these competitions):
Orleans, France (World Cup): November 18-20, 2016
Cancun, Mexico (Grand Prix): December 16-18, 2016
New York, USA (World Cup): January 27-29, 2017
Cancun, Mexico (Satellite Tournament): February 4-5, 2017
Athens, Greece (World Cup): February 17-19, 2017
Tunis, Tunisia (World Cup): May 12-14, 2017
TBD (Pan American Championships): June 2017 (pending qualification)
Leipzig, Germany (World Championships): July 2017 (pending qualification)
I will also attend training camps and National level competitions this season. I expect the tournaments this season will cost me at least $15,000. On top of that, I spend approximately $500 per month just training (club fees, private lessons, and gym membership) and approximately $2000 in additional health services (sports psychology, massage, acupuncture, physio, chiropractor, etc). Further, I spend about $300 on equipment (sabre blades, guards, wires, etc).
Anyone who knows me, knows I am incredibly determined
and motivated. I know I will accomplish my goals. I am challenge-driven. Please
join me in my journey. Any little bit helps. Even just $5 goes a long way! You
can also join in my journey by sharing and spreading the word about my
campaign.
Thank you again to everyone for all the support they show in all the different ways as I work to make my Olympic dream a reality!
Every champion needs her crowd!
Hi! My name is Marissa Ponich and I am one of the top women's sabre fencers in Canada. I have been a national team member since 2013 (the same year I started fencing internationally). I started fencing at the late age of 19. I train at Sergei’s Sabre Club with Sergei Kazimirski and he’s been my coach since I started fencing in 2006. I have grown quickly and I am continuing to grow in this sport because it is a serious passion of mine.
