Fencing backed by Aspiration Fund to support its ambitions for Tokyo 2020

UK Sport Funding Announced Today

Today, UK Sport announced the sports which are being backed by the new Aspiration Fund.  British Fencing’s application for an award has resulted in an investment of £192,500 to assist individual athletes and teams through qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

During the coming days and weeks, plans will be put in place for how the funding will be best allocated to achieve the goals agreed with UK Sport.

The Aspiration Fund, which was announced by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in October this year, aims to support sports who do not currently receive full UK Sport funding to develop plans to help teams and athletes realise ambitions for the Tokyo Games.   Alongside their qualification plan, sports seeking funding were asked to submit details of how they will capitalise on the impact of competing at the Games and engage and inspire future generations.

Liz Nicholl, CEO of UK Sport said, “This new Aspiration Fund is a fantastic opportunity for these athletes and sports to get on track for the Tokyo Games.  Many of the sports we are currently unable to support, whilst further away from reaching the podium, have the potential not only to inspire through their performances on the field of play but also to inspire new audiences to engage in sport and activity.”

Georgina Usher, CEO of British Fencing said, “We are delighted to have received this investment from the new Aspiration Fund. This funding comes at a crucial time for our athletes in their qualification journey. Over the coming weeks we will be working with UK Sport to ensure the funds will maximise our qualification opportunities whilst at the same time supporting UK Sport’s mission to “inspire the nation through Olympic and Paralympic success”

Mark Lyttle, Chair of British Fencing added, “We’d like to thank the Government and UK Sport for the opportunity that this award will give to our sport.  Between now and Tokyo 2020, this award will enable us to support our athletes as they continue to inspire through their performances on the field of play and also inspire new audiences to engage in sport and activity.  We are actively looking for patrons and sponsors who share our ambitions and I would ask anyone interested to contact me directly at [email protected].”