Vancouver, BC – Canada is once again set to host the Bakonyi Vancouver Men's Epee World Cup this weekend, February 12-14, 2016 at the Richmond Olympic Oval, and as one of the last few remaining Olympic Qualifying events on the calendar, a lot is on the line for many fencers.  The event is the last on the calendar for Men' Epee Team, and only two events remain for Individuals to make the cut for Rio.

"Athletes will be battling for a few remaining points to earn the coveted right to participate at the Rio Summer Olympic Games," noted David Callaghan, Co-President of the Vancouver event. "Tears of joy and defeat will be shed on the piste this weekend at the Richmond Oval."

Canadian Max Brinck-Croteau (Markham, ON) will be one of the fencers vying for a spot in Rio.  Brinck-Croteau is currently in the lead for a Pan Am zone spot, but with only a few points separating him from his competitors, a good result in Vancouver will greatly help his cause. 

Hosting an Olympic qualifying event on home soil will hopefully provide our Canadians with an added edge," said Canadian Fencing Federation President, Brad Goldie. "Our athletes were boosted by the fantastic home crowd support demonstrated at the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games and I expect that our Vancouver crowds will continue that home field advantage and help lift our Canadian athletes to a crucial peak performance."

This is the fourth year of the event in Vancouver and over 30 countries and 200 athletes will be making the trip. 

"It is always special to have such prestigious events in Canada, as it not only helps our athletes achieve their goals, but it also helps us grow our unique and special sport locally and nationally," said Igor Gantsevich, former Men's Epee National Team member and Co-President of the event. "We are extremely grateful to Heritage Canada and Via Sport. Without their support, this tournament would not be possible."

For more information on the event including the daily schedule, please visit: http://vancouverworldcup.com/. You can also catch the event through live-streaming through Via Sport: http://www.viasport.ca/live-stream-2016-peter-bakonyi-fencing-world-cup.

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