IWAS Wheelchair Fencing aprons arrive in Uruguay to aid in sport development

It was a great start to 2016 for wheelchair fencing athletes of Uruguay as they received their new IWAS fencing aprons. In an effort to increase opportunities for athletes with physical impairments, as well as promote the sport of wheelchair fencing in the region, IWAS has donated the aprons to allow the Uruguayan athletes and the Uruguayan Fencing Federation to develop.

Franco De Caria, Wheelchair Fencing Coach at Club de Gold del Uruguay based in the nation’s capital of Montevideo said: “Since 2012, Uruguay is developing wheelchair fencing and recently received from IWAS aprons for epee, which means the recognition of our country and the will of the federation to support and promote our sport in all countries. For us it means more internal skills and quality training for athletes. I want to thank IWAS for supporting our country in this step in the development of our sport.”

Charmaine Hooper, IWAS CEO said: “It is fantastic to be able to provide equipment to a wheelchair fencing developing country. With the enthusiasm and determination of the athletes, the Uruguayan Paralympic Committee and the Uruguayan Fencing Federation, I am sure the athletes will be regulars at IWAS Wheelchair Fencing events of the future.”

The providing of fencing equipment to countries and organisations with limited recourses to develop the sport is a key focus of IWAS and the IWAS Wheelchair Fencing Executive Committee in the expansion of worldwide reach of the sport. In Central America, Cuba also await a shipment of fencing equipment to further aide in the sport development in the continent.

Present at the receiving of the aprons were two Uruguayan athletes, Ms Graciela Nario, President of the Uruguayan Paralympic Committee and President of the Uruguayan Fencing Federation, Mr. Rodolfo Lopez.