Join me as I continue my journey to Tokyo 2020!
Hello everyone! I’m back with my latest campaign! Thank you to Richard Skura of Capsure Photography yet again for the video and photos for this campaign. And a huge thank you to Devin Manky for the competition photos used in this campaign!
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 am now the top ranked women’s sabre fencer in Canada and 39th in the world (after rising 45 places in the rankings last season). I won two international individual bronze medals last season as well (one at the Pan American Championships and on at a Satellite Tournament in Cancun). I’m well on my way to Tokyo 2020!
To make my Olympic Dream a reality, I need your help. I will again be traveling the world and competing against many different opponents. As the Olympics gets closer I will attend more events each season. I would love to have as many people as I can join me in my journey to Tokyo! 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 further and stay 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 – October 27-29, 2017
St Nikklas, Begium World Cup – November 17-19, 2017
Cancun, Mexico Grand Prix – December 15-17, 2017
January Canada Cup (Quebec City) – January 19-21, 2018
Baltimore, USA World Cup – January 26-28, 2018
Athens, Greece World Cup – March 16-18, 2018
Reykjavik, Iceland Satellite Tournament – April 28, 2018
Nationals (TBD) – May 2018
Tunis, Tunisia World Cup – May 11-13, 2018
Pan American Championships (Cuba) – June 2018 (pending qualification)
World Championships (Wuxi, China) – July/August 2018 (pending qualification)
I will also attend training camps this season. I expect the tournaments this season will cost me at least $20,000. 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 $500 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.
