FIE donates to local fencing

In their endeavor to develop the sport of Fencing across the world, International Fencing Federation (FIE) have donated equipment to Botswana Fencing Federation (BFF) valued in the region of P80 000.The equipment arrived last week and includes level 1, level 2, level 3, the BFF Public Relations Officer Thabile Pilane told Sun Sport the support comes at a crucial time when national athletes are preparing for African Senior Championship slated for April.All Star branded weapons are one of the highly rated fencing equipment with the latest technological upgrades and are estimated to last over a decade.“World Fencing has been really helpful, they normally identify countries which are still developing in the sport and struggling financially, they offer scholarship opportunities and I have been fortunate to benefit from their programs. It is often said Fencing is an expensive sport and it is true so this support means a lot to us. ” Pilane shared.Pilane said the association is working with their affiliates to push for outreach programs and unearth talents from across the country.“Our intention is to offer our affiliates and registered academies a helping hand; just as much as we receive assistance from FIE, we also donate to our members. We encourage them to be self-sustainable of course, but we already have some equipment in our office, and our members are free to come through and borrow the equipment for their various tournaments,” she said.Recently, Aobakwe Modise and Koketso Masena made it into the rankings of the FIE and Pilane highlighted that it is ‘baby steps’ towards professionalizing the sport.Pilane, who is also active in the sport, indicated that more representation in the FIE rankings will boost the local Fencing Mother Body’s chances to get more support from the FIE.“In ten years’ time we should be able to have professional fencers,” she said.In other developments from the Botswana Fencing Federation, President Mandla Masuku voted for Russia and Belarus participation at the Olympics next year after temporary suspension measures were imposed on the two due to political instabilities in their respective countries—the two countries have since been reinstated into the global games.“As much as Fencing is a combat sport, it is not an army and should not be associated with political differences and unrests. Fencing must be seen as a sport that promotes unity, peace and bringing all humans together. Segregation of any athletes by virtue of political unrests and war will only fuel unrests,” part of Masuku’s submissions to the FIE congress reads.Pilane highlighted that engagement with FIE at the level of decision making structures shows the harmonious relationship the local Fencing association continues to enjoy with the world governing Fencing mother body.

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FIE donates to local fencing