ESPADA FENCING CLUB PRESIDENT BRIAN SPEIGHT AWARDED BEM

Espada Fencing Club president and ex-British Fencing Board Director Brian Speight has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list with a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to fencing.

Brian has been a member of Espada FC for more than 50 years and over this period has taken on a variety of jobs in the  management of the club.   He continues to coach, support and motivate club fencers at all levels. Over five decades, Brian has promoted the sport into all areas of the local community encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to come and try the sport, working with local councils, schools and youth organisations.

As a fencer, he has competed at club, regional, national and international level. Brian’s fencing has taken him around the world, where he has, at veteran level, represented England and Great Britain at Commonwealth, European and World Championships.  He worked as the sports desk manager for the London 2012 Olympics, served as a Board Director for British Fencing from 2014 to 2018, and continues to contribute to the management of fencing competitions around the UK.

Speaking of the award, Brian said: “I am very pleased to be given this award, but equally delighted that our sport of fencing has been recognised. Although one of our oldest sports, it does not always  receive  publicity, so this is very welcome. In Espada we have competitive and social fencers,  beginners and champions. It’s an amazing club and I am so pleased to have been able to share my life with it.”

Pat Aiyenuro, President of BF, said: “For over half a century, Brian has dedicated his time to the sport of fencing. His contributions as a volunteer have been wide ranging – whether in support of his club, national competitions or as a Board Director – and this recognition is well deserved. On behalf of British Fencing and its members, I’d like to congratulate Brian and Espada Fencing Club on this award.”

(Image credit Jakob Rossner)

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