Wheelchair Fencing

Wheelchair fencing is Fencing for the physically disabled.

See Also:: Fencing

An Overview of Wheelchair Fencing

Men and women with amputations, spinal-cord injuries and cerebral palsy are eligible to compete in foil epee (men and women) and saber (men) events. Unlike able-bodied fencing, wheelchair fencing is static: the fencers are clamped to the piste using a metal frame. Beyond this, the sport is largely similar to its able-bodied counterpart.

There are three classes:

Class A incorporates those athletes with good balance and recovery and full trunk movement;
Class B those with poor balance and recovery but full use of one or both upper limbs;
Class C athletes with severe physical impairment in all four limbs.

Benefits

Wheelchair fencing has been described as physical chess and is healthy both in a physical and mental sense.

Adaptations and Equipment

The British Disabled Fencing Association can provide equipment for beginners and once you have been bitten by the fencing bug you will no doubt wish to buy your own.

Facts

Wheelchair Fencing first started in Stoke Mandeville Hospital

Wellington Swords

SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum

A online meeting for Sports Club Welfare & Safeguarding Officers based in Somerset.

You're invited to attend our club welfare forum for anyone involved in sport and physical activity in Somerset, but in particular those in your clubs who hold the role of 'club welfare officer' or 'safeguarding lead'.

If you're the Safeguarding or Welfare Officer at your Sports Club, please join Tracey Sweetland, Somerset Sport Welfare Officer at SASP to learn about local support and opportunities to assist you in your volunteer role.