International News
Fencing Striving for Excellence
Extracts from FIE “Escrime” Magazine 12.2008 No 65
The Key to Excellence
Foil: The changes implemented i.e. the reduction in blocking time, restoring Foils identity and uniqueness.
Sabre: The quality of the show on offer is exceptional. The Olympic Mens and Womens Sabre competitions demonstrated this. On television this is the weapon that attracted most viewers during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Transparent Mask: Sabre and Foil fencers have understood the relevance of the transparent mask. Universally acclaimed by viewers and the television channels around the world, it is now a symbol of modernity. It makes possible to perceive the fencer’s emotions and determination. It also gives a more aesthetic image to the fencers attire.
Training Camps: The FIE will increase the number of training camps which have already enabled numerous Epee, Foil and Sabre fencers to improve, discover the most modern training methods and build up the necessary experience and confidence for international success.
Refereeing: Video refereeing illustrates considerable progress in the permanent search for sporting equality and places fencing at the pinnacle of modernity, the FIE will further enhance its training and examination policy so the at the referees can always be more competitive and to encourage vocations on each continent.
Parity: In competitions, fencing has already attained perfect parity with as many competitions for women as men. The creation of a specific commission is further proof the FIE is determined to associate an equal number of women with all its work so that the can help with their qualities and sensibility.
Men and Women on an equal footing
” The idea is to build on the achievementss of the past twenty years to continue and increase the number of women in our sport,” believes Helen Smith, President of the Oceania Fencing Confederation. ” We would like to see more women refereeing, becoming fencing masters, members of directorates and technical commissions. Women must also become more involved in the governing bodies of national federations. Women have a lot to offer the sport movement by contributing to encouraging social change and developing the value of education, peace and respect for the environment.”
Escrime Magazine No 65, December 2008