As nominations open for the 2025 BF Honours, we’re shining a spotlight on last year’s recipients. In this feature, we speak to Jonathan Collins, who received a Silver Medal for his voluntary contribution in promoting fencing under the most extraordinary circumstances.
Tell us a little about the work you do to support fencing.
My interest in promoting wheelchair fencing came about because I enjoy the sport and my father took a video of me fencing with my trainer. I showed it to a friend who suggested we send it to a company that would be able to change the weapons into light sabres. I downloaded the video to the web and within minutes, people started contacting me.
I was amazed by the number of people around the world and Great Britain that had never heard of wheelchair fencing. This was at the time when we had our elite wheelchair fencers winning medals at world level events.
What’s your favourite memory of your time volunteering in fencing?
I cannot pick a favourite moment while promoting the sport, but enjoy getting the initial email from an interested person. I answer any questions they may have about the sport, equipment, inclusion, and how to set up a club. I also refer them to British Fencing.
The emails come from individuals and clubs from all over the world and I still have contact with some of them and have also been invited to visit some of them.
I am delighted when I hear that somebody is now partaking in the sport.
I am even more delighted when I am informed that a new wheelchair fencing club (as it is known by throughout the world) has been set up due to contacting me.
I am sad when I hear that some of the fencing clubs are unwilling to accept a wheelchair fencing club as part of their setup, even when finance has been secured.
With my disabilities, I knew I would not be an elite athlete in the sport, but I enjoyed my sessions with my trainer and developed a passion for the sport.
What does it mean to receive the 2024 BF Honours award?
After receiving such a large response to my “light sabre” video I realised I could promote the sport through social media. And that is what I have done. On the selfish side, it gave me a purpose in life but to have my work recognised by British Fencing is the BEST THING EVER, and it shows that my efforts to promote the sport are appreciated.
I intend to continue to promote the sport of wheelchair fencing as much as possible, but the use of social media is more difficult since my illness last year.
The coverage of the wheelchair fencing at the Paralympics was limited, despite the small GB squad winning six medals.
What would you say to people considering volunteering in fencing or sport in general?
British Fencing, including wheelchair fencing, needs a higher level of media exposure than I can provide. I still receive (world-wide) emails from people who have never heard of wheelchair fencing.
Volunteers are needed at all levels of the sport so if you are in a position to help, please contact British Fencing.
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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