JULY WHEELCHAIR FENCING ADP EXPERIENCE

This page will be updated regularly. Please check for updates on the schedule.

On 1^st and 2^nd July 2023, BF will run a two day athlete development experience for wheelchair fencers as part of the Athlete Development Programme (ADP). This will be run alongside the standing ADP sabre camp at the UK Sports Institute at the University of Bath and will be the first of many such experiences as we build a national community of wheelchair fencers who may one day challenge at the very highest level.

Is this experience for me?

There are currently no specific selection criteria for ADP experience participants: we ask that you come prepared to work hard over the weekend and use it as an opportunity to meet and network with other wheelchair fencers. This will also be an opportunity for fencers to meet some of the team from BF and ask questions about the athlete development pathway. The experience will cater to all weapons, and fencers will be supported to explore disciplines other than their primary weapon should they choose.

If you are looking to attend other development events as preparation for joining this experience, please consider the Wheelpower National Junior Games, more information on which can be found here.

What happens on an ADP camp?

Fencers will have the opportunity to take part in sparring sessions as well as dedicated tactical workshops exploring elements of their competitive game. Outside of fencing, there will be workshops with mentors from the True Athlete Project (www.thetrueathleteproject.org) which will help fencers explore aspects of the sport off the piste and provide them with tools to enhance their fencing experience. The camp will be staffed by British Fencing ADP coaches who have experience working with wheelchair fencers in their own clubs and at competitions.

Where will the camp be held?

The event will be held at the UK Sports Institute at the University of Bath, Map HERE. Fencers will be able to make use of the state-of-the-art facilities on the campus and train alongside standing fencers from the sabre ADP, joining them in athlete support sessions and exploring joint training opportunities.

Accessible parking can be found here (https://w3w.co/hunt.paid.prop), past the electric car chargers on both the left and right, you will need the JustPark app to pay for parking unless you want to use the machines.

Main access to the sports complex is here (https://w3w.co/slides.drove.oils), and will be used on the first morning of the camp. When leaving the camp and arriving on the second day we will be using the fire exits in the fencing salle, located here (https://w3w.co/void.august.lofts).

What should I bring?

Food
While there is a café on site we recommend that fencers bring their own food as the selection is rather limited and a long way from the training hall.

What you need

If you have any questions or support needs regarding the below please get in touch; we will be able to source kit and chairs if required, but please let us know if advance so we can help as much as possible.

• Full electric fencing kit including breeches and socks
• Your own fencing chair (if you have one)
• At least one spare weapon and set of wires
• Sports kit for non-fencing activity. T-shirts, shorts, comfortable indoor trainers
• Named water bottle
• Your training diary (if you have one)
• Any essential medication
• Clothes and toiletries for the weekend

Accommodation

You will need to source your own accommodation; there are several hotels in the city, many of which have accessible rooms. These include, but are not limited to:

Holiday Inn Express (https://goo.gl/maps/1ry31bgy37tzqkHu6) which is on the outskirts of the Bath – accessible twin rooms and a car park (note that parking is payable for all, including blue badge holders).

Hampton by Hilton (https://goo.gl/maps/qP3LxZxPiSgBRTjQ8) in central Bath – accessible double rooms, but please note there is no dedicated parking for this hotel.

Premier Inn (https://goo.gl/maps/jezCsj3B5ZwQZY447) in central Bath – accessible double rooms, but please note there is no dedicated parking for this hotel.

Travelodge Waterside (https://goo.gl/maps/tgw4uqBDupCt9fwZ6) – twin accessible rooms with free parking for blue badge holders.

How do I sign up?

To sign up please click here.

If you have any questions or concerns about the camp, including suitability, accommodation, or camp content please click here.

To learn more about British Fencing’s ADP project as a whole, please click here.