TARGET 101020

Swords (and Walkers) at the Ready

En garde, you old koot!!!

Retired priests and nuns at Corpus Christi Retirement Home in Melbourne, Australia wanted something to do. Then, one day, Joseph D'Onofrio, a fencing instructor who had volunteered at the home, gave a lecture to them on the sport that he taught to younger people - fencing. They had to at least give it a try!

Fair is fair. Contestants are matched according to ability.

About 16 residents, the youngest being 80 years old, including Sister Delores Kirby, 93 years old, decided to learn how to wield a mean sword.

Patricia Boyd, the lifestyle co-ordinator at the home, said that the sport was offered after a talk by Joseph D'Onofrio, a fencing instructor who had volunteered at the home. He suggested that they could do the same.

"They thought, fencing? No, that was quite strange," Ms Boyd said. "But Joseph came along and he spoke to them and he actually went into how it's very spiritual. It just went from strength to strength and they've become very good at it."

Even the young kids at the home enjoy the fun.

Sister Delores, a retired nun from the Order of the Faithful Companions of Jesus, said, "It's very unusual at our age. It's a challenge. I'm always a bit afraid I might fall over."

Yes, but she sure looks sporty doing it.

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