Canada to host wheelchair fencing Americas Championships

International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS) has announced that the 2018 IWAS Wheelchair Fencing Americas Championships will take place in Saskatoon, Canada, from 13-16 September.

The competition completes the major international competition calendar for the year, joining regional Championships in Asia and Europe as well as a youth World Championships and the World Cup circuit.

The announcement comes after the World Cup held in Canada in Montreal between 27 and 29 April.

IWAS President Rudi Van Den Abbeele said: “We are absolutely delighted to confirm the final regional competition of the year, adding an important step on the road to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

“The Americas Championships will gather around 30 athletes from eight countries in what will be one of the marquee events of 2018. It is very exciting to be able to complete the programme of high level competitions with Saskatoon.

“I would like to thank the Local Organising Committee and their President Dr. James Stempien for working with us to stage what I am sure will be a very memorable occasion for everyone.”

Dr. James Stempien, President of the Saskatchewan Fencing Association, said:

“We’re excited to be able to welcome some elite wheelchair fencing athletes to Saskatoon for this event. This Championship is the first to be held in Canada and will be a qualifier for the upcoming 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

“We will see athletes from North and South America competing in this event, including Asquith’s Ryan Rousell. This event will provide valuable sport exposure and illuminate options for local adaptive athletes.”

Saskatoon 2018 will be held at a local hotel. Free entry will be available to the public.

The 2018 IWAS Wheelchair Fencing Under 23 and Under 17 World Championships will be the first large scale event to take place this year in Warsaw, Poland, from 10-14 July.

Next up will be the European Championships in Terni, Italy, from 17-23 September. The Asian Championships will then be part of the 2018 Asian Para Games between 6 and 13 October in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Three more World Cups in Warsaw; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kyoto, Japan, will take place in July, November and December respectively.