On 11th May 2024 in Bristol, British Fencing ran the first of its wheelchair fencing coach development days.
Five participant coaches joined coach developer/ADP Sabre Lead Fran Whalley and Wheelchair ADP Project Officer Nathaniel Lewis to explore how to convert their standing skills for wheelchair fencing. After receiving an introduction to the basics of the sport and some of the common differences and similarities between the standing and seated disciplines, coaches climbed into the chairs to spar and work through some of their ideas and questions.
Richard Bernstein, of Bristol Blades and Millfield School, said that the day was ‘a great introduction to the world or wheelchair fencing’.
Becky Price, working with Musketeer Education, was similarly enthused, saying that the course was a ‘great example of learning through doing […] exploring distance, reaction, and timing’.
Sandra Eddington, who travelled from Bath Sword, has already been making use of her new skills in her home club environment, saying that the course has ‘definitely left me more confident about including a seated option in my sessions’.
BF is committed to helping coaches up-skill themselves and increase outreach into disability sport. If you are interested in having a wheelchair CPD day in your region or club, please get in touch using this form.
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