Welsh Fencing are pleased to announce 2 major updates regarding para-fencing in Wales.
We recently secured capital funding from Sport Wales to purchase 2 wheelchair fencing frames and several wheelchairs suitable for fencing.
One of the significant barriers for disabled people to participate in sports and physical activity is the additional equipment needed and its higher cost than equivalent equipment for non-disabled participants. Welsh Fencing is working to reduce that barrier by loaning these frames to strategically placed clubs, initially in Cardiff & Wrexham, enabling more opportunities for wheelchair users across Wales.
An introductory coach development session was held just before Christmas to support coaches deliver fencing to para-athletes. More sessions are being planned to support all clubs in welcoming para-fencers to the sport – please look out for further announcements.
British Fencing are currently surveying clubs to get a better picture of how clubs are currently working with disabled participants. Club admins should have received an email regarding this, so please complete this at your earliest opportunity (and before the 6th March). https://www.britishfencing.com/level-access-survey-2023-out-now/
The 2023 British Para-Fencing National Championships will be held here in Wales.
On the weekend of 15/16 July, as part of the ParaSport Festival in Swansea, these prestigious championships are taking place in Swansea. After communication and consultation with a number of athletes and the EIS World Class Programme, the decision was taken to separate the event from the British Senior National Championships (due to take place in April) and include it in the festival in Swansea.
Organised by Disability Sport Wales, the Para Sport Festival will include a number of other National Para Championships, including the World Triathlon Para Series and the Ironman 70.3. Running alongside the competitive element of the festival, Welsh Fencing will be delivering ‘have a go’ sessions to give people the opportunity to try wheelchair fencing and find out how they can get involved in the sport.
Please contact matthew.russell@fencing.cymru if you would like any further information.