Introduction
The recent decision of the IOC to allow a men’s foil team event at the next Olympics in Tokyo provides the opportunity for a GB men’s foil team to replicate its participation and individual achievements in Rio. Sadly the withdrawal of funding from UK Sport makes qualification for fencers more difficult.
One of British Fencing’s best route to secure Olympic participation is through the Men’s Foil team qualification which, if successful, enables up to four athletes to compete at the Olympic games. To do this a team needs to secure a top European team place. Teams gain points at the World Cup team events held over the fencing calendar and this gives a World ranking on which Olympic selection is based. Whilst selection is not until the last 12 months leading to the Olympics it is important that Team GB moves up the rankings now and gains sufficient experience over the next two years if it is to qualify.
Individual donors and Leon Paul Equipment have pledged substantial financial support to the British Fencing Charitable Fund between now and the Tokyo Olympics specifically to assist the participation of the men’s foil team in the Senior World Cup Team Events en route to Tokyo.
Specific Athlete Grants
The Charitable Fund will use these donations to support equally all four men’s foil athletes selected in each men’s foil team event. Selection of team members is carried out by British Fencing and the Charitable Fund intends to support any fencer taking up their selection to fence on the men’s foil team between now and Tokyo. The intention is that, by providing financial assistance, we can help any talented and selected men’s foilists to compete as part of the team.
Be Involved
By providing this financial support we hope we can give our men’s foil athletes the best possible chance of Olympic qualification and allow as broad a base of our talented athletes to compete for these places. Whilst the donations are a great start they will not be able to cover 100% of the costs of the athletes competing. Furthermore, we are looking for additional support to send a coach to support the team. If you would like to help support the team by donating please contact me directly or contribute via the Mydonate web site
https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/britishfencingcharity and put men’s foil team support in your donation comments.
Other Weapons
The Charitable Fund is looking to replicate this project across other weapons and, if you would like to help support other disciplines, your donations would be equally well received. Please use the donation comments field to indicate any preferences.
Your help is appreciated by all the athletes.
Further information please email [email protected]
Paul Wedge, Chair, British Fencing Charitable Fund
FAQs
Once British Fencing has selected the four men’s foil athletes for the relevant team event, the charity will make a fixed grant to each selected athlete.
Only if the athlete declines selection for the relevant team event.
The grants can be applied towards the costs of attending the event, equipment costs or training costs.
To the extent that any element of the grant is taxable, it is for the athlete to pay such tax. To that end, athletes should maintain receipts and records of their expenditure.
It is hoped that this project can be replicated across other weapons but this is dependent on donations being received to fund this.
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