Lachlan Alexander Bunney
League:
Fencing - World cadet Fencing Championships
State / Area:
WA / Metro
Funding Requested
$1500
Voting has now finished.
Recipients will be announced on 6th June 2016.
About Lachlan Alexander Bunney
I am a member of The Australian Fencing Team and have been for 3 years, and have been part of the sport since early 2010. I fence at the University of Western Australia Fencing Club, in Perth. My first competitions when I was starting out were State competitions. From there I proceeded to National under 15 and 17 competitions, and presently compete in under 17, under 20, and open age competitions at a National level, and have represented Australia since January 2014, when I was 14, on an International level in the under 17 and 20 age-groups. The sport enables young members of the sport to compete and train with more senior and experienced fencers, and is a great community, social, and competitive sport, with people of all abilities and ages taking part and finding great enjoyment, through the physical and mental aspects of the sport and the great community.
Value to the Individual
The sport is a key focal point of my life. It is the best method for me to release energy, and as a naturally nervous and anxious person, this release is very important for me. It has enabled me to develop skills of patience and quick thinking, both of which have been instrumental for my development as a thinker. In addition, the sport has taught me sportsmanship values and the ability to keep calm and also taught me how to not lose my temper under some very stressful situations. The sport takes a significant amount of time and dedication on my behalf, and travelling to International and National competitions caused me to miss days, even weeks, of school at a time, in addition to my regular weekly 6-9 hours of training and related exercise commitments. International competition has allowed me to meet and befriend people from many other countries too.
Why the funds are needed
The money will go towards helping pay for my trip to World Cadet fencing Championships in Bourges, France, in April 2016. The cost of the trip is estimated to be $5,500 - $6,500 as we not only pay my costs but also a coach/manager Levy. I also broke a weapon at training tonight so will need another one for World's as we need 4 and I now how 3, 1 really good one and 2 questionable ones. The cost to replace it is between $260 and $300. As you can see from the above grants I have received over the years I am always trying to get help as there is absolutely no funding from the Australian Fencing federation towards any of my fencing costs, be it International or National competitions, (ie Flights, Accomodation, Entry fees, equipment and FIE clothing), compulsory training camps, equipment and training clothing. I am fully self funded via my parents and only wish I could help them out even more, but at only 16 and having just started University, I have little time to work outside of study and training.
Links
ausfencing.org - Australian fencing federation website
uwafencing.org - University of Western Australia website
fencingwa.com - WAFA (West Australian Fencing Association)
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