World fencing applauded with both hands the election of Thomas Bach as President of the IOC. It is difficult, in fact, not to welcome the arrival to power of a former foil fencer, crowned Olympic team champion with Germany in 1976 in Montreal. However, the discipline often struggles to “sell itself”, particularly to partners and broadcasters. Best example: the 2014 European Championships, scheduled for June 7 to 14 in Strasbourg. Frédéric Pietruszka, the Secretary General of the International Fencing Federation (FIE), organizer of the event, explained this to FrancsJeux.
FrancsJeux: How are the next European Fencing Championships looking like next June in Strasbourg?
Frédéric Pietruszka: To date, we have not yet completely finalized the budget, of around 1 million euros. We can count on unwavering support from communities, including the Urban Community of Strasbourg and the Alsace region. But I am still waiting for the response from the CNDS, from whom I asked for aid of 160.000 euros. It should not take place before March... And it is proving very difficult to interest private partners. However, we are only looking for 200.000 euros, but companies are not following.
Have you found a broadcaster yet?
No. To be clear, the channels don't want the event. Only one could broadcast it, Team 21, but we would then have to contribute a third of the production costs, estimated at 200.000 euros. Elsewhere, I am told that the date (June 7 to 14) is not favorable, with the World Cup, Roland-Garros and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But this speech is not new. Today, the “small” sports must compose their calendar according to the most media-focused disciplines, slipping into the gaps as best they can.
Does fencing need to evolve to sell better?
She already does it. We have invented a new concept, more impactful on the marketing level, a “Grand Prix Series” circuit of 14 events spread around the world: 9 Grands Prix, 4 continental championships and the world championships. We presented it at the last Sportel, the reception was good. We are currently looking for one or more partners.
How is world fencing doing?
It has never been so universal. Asia and America are moving. Four continents were represented in 2012 on the podiums of the London Games. Only Africa remains behind.
Is the arrival of Thomas Bach at the head of the IOC the assurance of a future without anxiety for world fencing?
This is fabulous news, because Thomas Bach remains very close to his original family. But I remember Jean-François Lamour’s reflection after his appointment as Minister of Sports: “I will not be able to promote my own discipline. » It will be the same with Thomas Bach. His arrival as president of the IOC will not change the presence of fencing in the landscape overnight. But we are hopeful of recovering, in the short or medium term, the two Olympic podiums that we are missing so that the three weapons (foil, saber and epee) are represented at the Games individually and by teams.
