226K for 226K is a club founded by Mr. Hansberry in the fall semester of the 2015-2016 school year. This is a ten month project with the purpose of raising money to send Tom, a member of the Thailand National Fencing Team, to competitions in order to earn points to qualify for the Olympics. Mr. Hansberry is running an Ironman in Australia this December, and will donate all proceedings earned to Tom and his cause. Last semester, a group of students were fortunate enough to visit Tom at a facility nearby Rainbow House, where he lives and works, to interview him and watch him demonstrate his fencing skills.
Tom began fencing when he was twenty years old, and has been a member of the Thailand National Fencing Team for two years. He is the only Class B fencing member on the team. Meaning, that he is the only member who does not have full use of his lower body, but complete use of his upper body. Tom was in a motorcycle accident when he was sixteen years old, and has been paralyzed from the waist down ever since. Before Tom was handicapped, he participated in various other sports including: Basketball, Bocce, Shot Put, Javelin and Table Tennis.
Tom’s proudest moment in fencing was when he was accepted onto the Thailand National Fencing Team. When asked what he found to be most difficult about fencing, he gave a powerful response: “Heart. I must be strong in heart. It is not necessarily skill, but confidence.” Meaning that the most important thing he has to focus on is not doubting himself, and having credence in his ability.
Working a full time job at Rainbow House, practicing fencing two hours a day for five days a week, and being handicapped can be a lot to juggle. We asked Tom how he was able to handle it all. “Just work and then go to practice,” he simply replied, to which his coach added with “Time management,” and Tom laughed.
Tom’s ultimate goal is to participate in the Olympics. In order to do so, Tom competes in fencing competitions all over the world. When you go to these competitions, you earn points, and once you have enough points, you are eligible to go to the Olympics. Tom has gone to three competitions in the past three years, and does extremely well in them. However due to lack of funds, he hasn’t been able to go as many competitions as he needs in order to gain enough points. This is why we are collecting money through donations and sponsors to support Mr. Hansberry when he runs an Iron Man in Australia this December. The money will then be given to Tom and his cause. For any further questions please email Mr. Hansberry.
Emily H
