A tale as old as time- the rag tag, underdog team comes together to win a championship only to realize they do not have the funds to travel to the bustling, cultural metropolis of Aimes, Iowa and achieve total victory.

Meet your Southwest Florida Fencing Academy Odyssey of the Mind team- comprised of Galen, Kahless, Harrison, Jake, Susannah and their coaches Carly and Bianca! These 5 fencers have cut through seas of cardboard, manipulated the English language to their will, played at least 2 characters apiece, and bare the scars of hours of hot glue gun use. They have tested the limits of their creativity (and their patience!), to sew an epic tale of the common man- to give a voice to the voiceless and attend Odyssey of the Mind World Finals! Their hours of work have earned them this achievement, but they cannot get there without your help!

For those unfamiliar with Odyssey of the Mind, it "promotes creativity, problem solving, teamwork, and more. It is a creative problem-solving competition that gives kids the confidence to think for themselves and to create solutions to any challenge. Independent study, original ideas, and critical thinking skills are rewarded over getting the “one right answer” thanks to our unique open-ended problems that are backed by educators and experts in STE(A)M fields. Performance, art & cultural studies are also incorporated, creating a well-rounded program that has impacted lives for over 40 years. OM benefits all types of students as they learn to think beyond the box!"

This team won at the regional level, came in 3rd at state competition, and received a coveted Ranatra Fusca award for outstanding creativity (the highest honor in Odyssey of the Mind). Many, if not most teams, are made up of students from the same school. This team is a community based one. Its members are a mix of homeschool, private school, and public school students who all happen to love stabbing each other with swords for fun (fencing). They do not have the financial backing of a school or of a private organization, so must raise the money needed for registration, housing, meals, flights, and some goodies, all on their own.

They are asking for your help- *Cue Sarah McLaughlin's "Arms of the Angels"*- even just $5 can make a difference in the lives of these young people. Don't let their hard work and creativity go to waste- show them you care by donating today!

Thank you for your contribution in helping these kids travel to World Finals!