As nominations open for the 2025 BF Honours, we’re shining a spotlight on last year’s recipients. In this feature, we speak to Hilary Sahota, who received a Bronze Medal for volunteer services to wheelchair fencing.
Tell us a little about the work you do to support fencing.
I started fencing when I was at Sunderland Polytechnic, going on to win local and regional competitions as well as the British Polytechnics Fencing Championships three years in a row. After leaving higher education, I continued fencing both competitively and started to coach at a local club. I continued to coach and run several fencing clubs over the years.
After having children, I concentrated on the coaching aspect of fencing and my husband and I started our own fencing club, Touche Fencing Club, for children and adults. Over the last 14 years, we have also specialised in wheelchair fencing. We have coached World Cup winners, European and World Championship wheelchair fencing medallists as well as a current Paralympic Champion.
I have worked as a volunteer at club level, NGB level (with the BDFA and BA) and worked full time for the International Governing Body for Wheelchair Fencing, (previously IWAS: International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports, now World Abilitysport) where I also trained to become a National and International Classifier.
When the BDFA merged with BF, I volunteered to help set up the procedures and policies for national classification for BF. BF now has a panel of classifiers and set procedures for athletes to become classified.
What’s your favourite memory of your time volunteering in fencing?
My favourite memories of volunteering in fencing would be when we see young people develop both fencing skills and life skills obtained through their positive interaction in the club, and watch them develop into lovely athletes and people, and who take away their experiences into all other walks of life.
What does it mean to receive the 2024 BF Honours award?
I am very proud to have received a 2024 Honours award. It came as a lovely surprise and it is great to feel that hard work, effort and dedication to a sport that I love has been recognised.
What would you say to people considering volunteering in fencing or sport in general?
For anyone wishing to volunteer in any sport, I would say go ahead and take the plunge. Clubs are always very grateful for volunteers in any capacity and many clubs would not survive at all without the support of volunteers, most of whom are unsung heroes to everyone except those ‘in the know’ at their clubs. Volunteering can take as little or as much time as you are able to give, and the reward is in knowing that you have helped in supporting your club, community, and most of all the sports men, women and children at that club.
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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