UK SPORT INVESTMENT – 50% INCREASE IN ATHLETE PLACES ANNOUNCED

UK Sport has today given a big vote of confidence to British Fencing’s Performance Programme by increasing the number of Podium Potential athlete places available from 12 to 18.

At their Annual Investment Review, British Fencing made a strong and robust case to UK Sport to confirm both it’s existing funding and to widen the support already provided by requesting an additional six podium potential places to support a men’s sabre programme.

As a result and in recognising the significant progress made by the Performance Programme over the last year, UK Sport have today confirmed the continued funding of the current Programme in addition to increasing the number of athlete places available. 

These additional places represent an increased investment of £720,000 of programme costs over the next three years, in addition to resources being provided directly by UK Sport to athletes for Performance Awards (APAs) and medical insurance.  The overall funding to fencing for the four-year cycle is now increased to £3.976 million.

On hearing of the award Peter King, who has led the executive team as Chief Executive since October 2012, said; “This is an excellent result for British Fencing and the World Class Programme.  During my time, the Programme has had to narrow its focus on improving athlete performances and building a sustainable performance system for the future.  This increased funding provides a real vote of confidence by UK Sport in the work of the Programme.”

Alex Newton, Performance Director said; “We are delighted that UK Sport have shown such confidence in the work we have been doing over the last year.  I would like to pay tribute to the whole Performance Team for their hard work in getting us this far in such a short space of time.  We are all really excited about expanding the current Programme to include a men’s sabre squad.”