With the Olympics only days away, expectations have never been higher for our GB fencers. For the team to qualify in the Men’s Foil and to have two fencers ranked in the top 10 is an exceptional achievement for the sport and a credit to not only the fencers and their families, but also their coaches, clubs and the staff support team behind them.

Whatever the outcome of the Olympics, it is important we look to the future and building on what has been achieved so far. For all of us involved in fencing, we know how fantastic the sport is in bringing together people from different ages, abilities, race and gender. However, as a fencing community we need to continue to develop fencing from grass roots level through to the elite athletes. Standing still is not an option.

As a sporting body, British Fencing receives grants from both UK Sport and Sport England, which have helped to develop our sport considerably. However, the impact of the new Government strategy for sport makes future State and Lottery funding for governing bodies like ourselves uncertain.  It is therefore vital that we as a fencing community move to increase our own financial independence.

The British Fencing Charity has been set up to help support the future of fencing – from providing more opportunities for people to start fencing, right up to supporting the talented athletes who dream of representing their country. We have initially identified three specific fund raising projects:

• Increased Participation: Develop fencing by broadening its availability, through specific projects, to all men and women, from any age or background
• Assisting Talented Athletes: Providing support to talented athletes to graduate from domestic success to international competitions
• Elite Epee Programme: Create and develop a strong epee programme to support a cohort of athletes dedicated to achieving the world class standards required to qualify a team for UK Sport funding – already achieved by foil and sabre.

Donations are essential to keep fencing moving forward, and any donation size helps us in this mission. As we are a registered charity, gift aid boosts the donation amount by 25% and for the higher tax payer a credit is paid back.

The British Fencing Charity website is http://britishfencingcharity.org.uk/

Donations can be made easily by credit card by visiting the web page: https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/britishfencingcharity.

Gift aid will be added automatically to your donations. Companies can make donations too either via the web site of by cheque c/o British Fencing address; cheques payable to British Fencing Charity. You can also donate via your Will, Trust, or Estate planning. Give something back to the sport you love!

Your support will be both appreciated and help the sport we love considerably, so please visit the site and donate today.

Thank you.

Paul Wedge
British Fencing Charity Chair