World fencing Championships in Catania, Sicily

The 2011 World Fencing championships were held in Catania from October 8th to the 16th.  This event was decisive for the qualifications of the participating teams for the XXX Olympics Games to be held in London in 2012.  The Italian team took away the most medals, a total of 11 medals, 4 Gold, 3 Silver and 4 Bronze.  Many were the athletes that carried out an exceptional performance, but the highlight was Paolo Pizzo.  Pizzo, originally from Catania, and at 28 a cancer survivor, won a Gold Medal right here in his home town.  Below are some pictures taken the last day of the event.  As one can see, the Mascot for the event was The Prickly Pear, a fruit very common in this area and which is ripe and enjoyed at this time of the year.