19/03/2024- Disability inclusion

2024 DISCOVER YOUR PARALYMPIC POTENTIAL DAY NOTTINGHAM

On Sunday 17th March, we took part in the first of two Discover Your Paralympic Potential days, hosted by Paralympics GB.

A young girl sitting on a wheelchair smiling, she is in a fencing jacket and holding a fencing mask in her hands. — Participants experienced wheelchair fencing for the first time on Sunday.

Wheelchair fencing was one of 21 sports featured at the first Discover Your Paralympic Potential day, held in Nottingham on Sunday. The event was hosted by Paralympics GB, and aimed to give those with physical disabilities an opportunity to try different sports.

Over 60 participants attended the event in total, of which 17 tried wheelchair fencing. The feedback was incredibly positive, and it was brilliant to see people’s enthusiasm upon trying fencing for the first time. Many have contacted us about finding a local club and how to get more involved.

A male fencing coach dressed all in black holds a sword standing between two seated fencers also holding swords (making a triangular shape) — Coach Nathaniel Lewis, BF’s Pathways Officer, taught participants the basics of sabre.

Participants were coached by Nat Lewis, BF’s Pathways Officer, and Aimee Aronica, from Nottingham University Fencing Club. We’d also like to thank Nottingham University for allowing us to use their equipment, including the two wheelchair fencing frames that we have located there.

A female fencing coach with pink hair dressed all in black helps two young girls to find a blue fencing jacket ahead of participating. — Coach Aimee Aronica, University of Nottingham, helped to introduce attendees to wheelchair fencing.

The next Discover Your Paralympic Potential day will take place on the 6th April 2024 at the University of Bath. Find out more and sign up here.

For more information on wheelchair fencing, please visit our Disability Inclusion Zone.

Don’t miss the latest news. Subscribe to our weekly summary email, The Fencing Digest, featuring the previous week’s latest news and announcements. Sign up here.