Solidarity is not only a great idea in the world of fencing. It is translated into actions, with a concrete, participatory and universal dimension.
For six years, a program initiated and managed by the International Fencing Federation (FIE) has allowed high-level fencers from the most developed countries to give new life to their equipment, by handing it over to federations and clubs from less developed nations. well equipped. Its name: “Donate your fencing gear”.
The only one of its kind in the Olympic movement, the program was an immediate success. The year of its launch, in 2017, it was studied by the IOC for its sustainable dimension, then presented by the FIE at the Forum of International Federations. Recognition.
Explanations from the administrative director of the International Fencing Federation, Elena Murdaca, at the helm of the project since its launch.
The starting point. It all started from an observation. In 2016, the year of the Rio de Janeiro Games, the FIE is looking into the question of solidarity. It already has an equipment aid program intended for national federations, but it mainly concerns competition and high level. Concrete, certainly, but considered insufficient to support the development of the discipline in modestly equipped countries. A think tank is looking into the matter. He came up with the idea of setting up a system allowing international shooters, cadets, juniors and seniors, to donate part of their equipment to less well-off countries. In addition to its solidarity dimension, the program can help build a bridge between high level and beginner shooters. It is also part of the FIE’s sustainability approach, by recycling dozens of parts and giving them a second life. Adopted by the FIE Executive Committee and launched as a test at the Cadet/Junior World Championships in 2016, “Donate your fencing equipment” really began the following year at the Senior World Championships. Success is immediate.
Operation. Simple but devilishly effective. At the start of the year, the FIE sends its national federations a form in three languages – English, Spanish and French – inviting them to detail their solidarity project(s). Information bringing together the ideas retained is then transmitted to international shooters. Donors can choose a specific project and/or country, or let the FIE include them in a common pot. At the Cadet/Junior and Senior World Championships, the two annual competitions where the entire fencing community comes together, a stand is dedicated to the program. Donors leave their equipment – foil, saber or epee, mask, breastplate, blade, shoes, gloves, body wires, etc. It is checked by a team of experts to ensure its condition. Then it is given to the beneficiaries, accompanied by a letter authenticating the donation, a document allowing them to avoid customs fees. On request, the FIE also covers the additional baggage costs of beneficiaries for the transport of donated equipment. At the end of the season, the body takes stock of the operation, to inform donors of the impact of their gesture and the new life of their equipment.
The donors. They come from traditional fencing countries, a large majority in Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Hungary, etc.), but also on other continents (Japan, United States, Qatar, Egypt, Mexico, Singapore, Australia , Kuwait…). Between 2017 and 2019, no less than 350 shooters participated in the FIE program by donating their equipment. Several hundred pieces were thus able to change hands and countries. Manufacturers are also participating in the solidarity effort by donating new equipment. The Japanese Fencing Federation has adopted and replicated the program twice, integrating it into its promotion strategy for the Tokyo 2020 Games: once in 2017 (photo above), during the Prince Takamado World Cup , then again in 2019 during the senior zone championships. Interrupted in 2020 and 2021, due to a lack of competitions in which to organize donations due to the health crisis, the project was relaunched last year. He immediately regained his cruising speed.
Beneficiaries. The program has spread its seeds all over the world. In South America, Brazil, Peru and Colombia benefited. In Oceania, fencers from Guam and American Samoa have inherited equipment donated by elite athletes. In Asia, the Philippines and Kyrgyzstan are among the list of beneficiary nations. In Africa, donations have contributed to the development of the practice in Senegal, Kenya, Benin and Rwanda. During the first edition of the program, a set of sabers donated by the Hungarian Aron Szilagyi, three-time Olympic champion, was intended for a club in a favela in Rio de Janeiro. Problem, discipline was not practiced there. A club from Sao Paulo experienced in saber practice was contacted. He offered his help to start training. Since then, Brazil has gained a new group of swordsmen. For the year 2023, the program includes Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Pakistan and Senegal among the beneficiaries. The equipment will be received and redistributed during the cadet/junior world championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, then seniors in Milan, Italy.
