As nominations open for the 2025 BF Honours, we’re shining a spotlight on last year’s recipients. In this feature, we speak to Aimee Aronica, who received an Award of Merit for services as a coach and volunteer.
Tell us a little about the work you do to support fencing.
I’m a University of Nottingham fencing coach, and I help coach beginners and the wheelchair fencers that we have. With wheelchair fencing specifically, there’s a lot more involved in recruitment and trying to get that community engaged with what we’re doing.
Obviously, fencing is a niche sport. Disability sport is a niche sport. So together, you’ve got a little bit of a problem. So we do a lot of work in that engagement and trying to bring new fencers through to the GBR Pathway, which we have done in the past year and it’s been really, really great.
What’s your favourite memory of your time volunteering in fencing?
My favourite moment volunteering in fencing would be the Cardiff World Cup, where we were working in the pods to help move chairs. It creates a nice relationship with some of the fencers. Probably the sweetest moment that I’ve seen was when one of the athletes asked one of my mates out on a date, which was very successful!
What does it mean to receive the 2024 BF Honours award?
It means a lot and it’s actually very validating as a coach in this space. It’s quite a new space for me, both as a coach and a fencer as I’m also transitioning into being a wheelchair fencer.
What would you say to people considering volunteering in fencing or sport in general?
Do it. You can only learn from doing it. It’s generally always a fun experience, and seeing the joy and happiness that people have around you that you’re enabling is really, really nice.
If you know a BF member that has made a significant contribution to fencing in Britain whilst upholding our values of honesty, respect and excellence, why not nominate them for this year’s BF Honours award?
Nominations close on the 30th May 2025.
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