Maplewood’s NJFA to host Olympic Viewing Party for Team USA fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad

MAPLEWOOD (updated Monday August 8, 10:30 p.m.) – New Jersey Fencing Alliance and Maplewood Township will host an Olympic Viewing Party for Maplewood’s own Team USA Fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, August 8-13.

NJFA be streaming all events including all women’s individual and team Sabre events during which NJFA alum Ibtihaj will be fencing!
Join the fun, cheer her on and learn a little about the sport!

NJFA will offer free open bouting throughout the week and mini clinics, August 8 and 13, from 2:30 p.m. Face Painting, Activities, Temporary Tattoos, Balloons, etc. will be included.
NJFA is located at 50-58 Burnett Ave., Maplewood, behind the old Dyfys Building.

Event viewing is free and open to the public.

Main Event schedule will be as follows:

Monday August 8
8 a.m.: Coverage of Women’s Individual Sabre.
3 p.m.:  semifinals and medal rounds.
NJFA will do mini fencing clinics and information sessions as well as answer questions during the events. The event will also feature face painting, activities, temporary tattoos, etc., for all who attend.

Saturday August 13:
8 a.m. Women’s Team Sabre.
10:30 a.m. semifinals and bouts for 5-8 places.
4 p.m. medal rounds
NJFA will do mini fencing clinics and information sessions as well as answer questions during the events.
Open Bouting and Mini Clinics All Day on the hour, all well as craft activities, etc., will be conducted.

For more information, call 973-762-6363.

Muhammad, 30, is an American sabre fencer and member of the United States fencing team. She is best known for being the first Muslim woman who wears hijab to qualify for the United States Olympic Team. A resident of Maplewood, she attended Columbia High School where she trained with NJFA Head Coach Frank Mustilli. Columbia High School has the best high school Fencing Program in the Northeast if not the nation.

A five-time Senior World team medalist and 2014 Senior World Team Champion, Muhammad will make history in Rio as the first U.S. woman compete in the Olympic Game in hijab. Ranked as high as No. 7 in the world during the 2015-16 season, Muhammad has won both individual and team medals on the World Cup circuit.

As a Muslim youth, Muhammad’s parents were in search of a sport for her to play where she could be fully covered. Fencing provided a unique opportunity where Muhammad could fulfill her desire to participate in sport and adhere to the tenets of her faith to cover her body. She began fencing at age 13 and never looked back.

Muhammad was a three-time All-American at Duke University where she was graduated with a dual major in international relations and African studies, and a minor in Arabic. In 2014, Muhammad launched her own clothing company, Louella, which aims to bring modest fashionable clothing to the United States market. She also is a sports ambassador, where she serves on the U.S. Department of State’s Empowering Women and Girls Through Sport Initiative. She has traveled to various countries to engage in dialogue on the importance of sports and education.

New Jersey Fencing Alliance, a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization invites you to experience its state-of-the-art fencing club conveniently located in Maplewood, N.J. NJFA offers 19 fencing strips, making it one of the largest fully equipped fencing facilities in the country! The club boasts nationally and internationally recognized coaches and fencers. Amenities include lockers, changing rooms, a lounge area with Internet Access, a fully-stocked pro shop, a snack bar and plenty of free, on-site parking.

NJFA is dedicated to introducing the sport of fencing to people of all ages and experience. The club offers professional instruction, for both recreational and competitive fencers. Its talented coaching staff guides students toward achieving their individual goals. Programs encourage self-esteem, self-confidence, and promote education through athletics. NJFA has a relaxed atmosphere, while encouraging competition. The curriculum provides students at all levels and ages with the opportunity to grow as fencers.

  Ibtihaj Muhammad