Fencing funding on target
Thursday 21 September 2006
Julia Bracewell, Chair of sportscotland today announced an investment of £26,000 to Scottish Fencing.
The investment, of which £16,000 is from the sportscotland Lottery fund, will go towards coaching, organisational development and the sport’s medal success programme.
With performance planning for the London 2012 Olympic Games well under way, the funding for medal success aims to complement the recent investment in the British Fencing Association from UK Sport, and looks to support senior Scottish fencers striving to achieve a place within the Olympic elite, potential and development squads. This will ensure a clear pathway for fencers aiming for selection for the 2012 Games.
Specifically the funding will allow four selected fencers, Anna Bentley, Keith Cook, Tristan Lane and James Rowe, to compete in additional ‘A grade’ events and GB training, hopefully increasing both their GB ranking and chances of selection at GB level.
Scottish fencers have enjoyed considerable success at competitions across the UK this season, including the 2006 National Championships where they won two gold, three silver and three bronze medals. At the inaugural UK School Games in Glasgow the men’s epee team took gold.
The next challenge for our fencers will be at the Commonwealth Fencing Federation Championships in Belfast this week (20-25 September) where hopes are high.
Announcing the funding, Julia Bracewell OBE, Chair of sportscotland and Olympic and Commonwealth fencer said: “I am delighted to see so many Scottish fencers performing well on the national and international stage. This investment will enable Scottish Fencing to continue its work to develop the sport at all levels, and as well as giving our top athletes the best possible chance of competing at the 2012 Olympic Games.”
Acknowledging the award, Scottish Fencing President Roy Clarke said: “We are very pleased to receive this funding from sportscotland, which will allow us to implement our full programme for the coming year. We are introducing new youth development groups and increasing our squad activity at all levels. It is also crucial to us to be able to support our top fencers in their efforts to perform at the very highest levels; success for Scotland on the world stage is a great source of inspiration for our youngsters.”
Identified athletes receiving Athlete Support
Anna Bentley, London, W9
Ranked No 1 in UK in women’s foil, silver medallist at 2006 National Championships
Keith Cook, Edinburgh, EH14
Ranked No 5 in UK in men’s foil, bronze medallist at 2006 National Championships & bronze medallist at 2006 Essex Open
Tristan Lane, Plymouth, Devon, PL9
Ranked No 10 in UK at men’s epee, gold medallist 2006 Bristol Open, gold medalist 2006 Essex Open
James Rowe, Ashford, Kent, TN25
Ranked No 7 in UK at men’s foil