PARA FENCING FRAMES: FROM LAUNCH TO CARDIFF & BEYOND
BF’s wheelchair fencing frame loan scheme is helping more clubs provide Para fencing opportunities across the UK, with frames used in international competition at Cardiff 2026 set to continue their journey within the fencing community.
From launching a national loan scheme to supporting international competition in Cardiff, BF’s wheelchair fencing frames have been on quite a journey.
The initiative began with a simple objective: to make it easier for clubs to introduce wheelchair fencing by overcoming one of the practical barriers to participation, access to a suitable fencing frame.
Through BF’s New Wheelchair Fencing Frames Loan Scheme, frames have been made available for clubs and organisations to borrow, helping them create opportunities for more people to experience the sport.
The growing network means wheelchair fencing can be introduced in more locations, supporting clubs that want to develop inclusive sessions, welcome new participants and build Para fencing into their regular activity.
FROM INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION TO CLUB FENCING
The frames have not only supported activity at club level.
The project developed as a legacy of the 2024 Cardiff World Cup, and wheelchair fencing frames were loaned following the event, demonstrating how equipment designed to support fencing on the international stage could also increase opportunities across the UK.
The next chapter comes back to Cardiff.
The 2026 Para Fencing European Championships in Cardiff brought leading European Para fencers together for international competition.
Frames used in competition in Cardiff do not have to reach the end of their story when the final bout finishes. Through the loan scheme, equipment can continue to support wheelchair fencing in clubs and communities, giving future participants the opportunity to fence using frames that have formed part of a major international championship.
It creates a direct connection between international Para fencing and the development of the sport at grassroots level. Supporting the British Fencing sustainability policy.
CLUBS ALREADY INVOLVED
A growing network of clubs, universities and fencing organisations have already been part of the frame loan scheme:
- Barti Ddu Cleddyfa Fencing
- Braveheart Fencing Club
- Cardiff Academy of Fencing
- University of Nottingham
- Bristol Blades
- Celtic Swords Fencing Club
- Dunedin Fencing Club
- Street Swords
- Loughborough University
- Wrexham FC
- Forth Valley Fencing Club
- University of York
- Leon Paul
- Bolton, Blackpool, Clitheroe and Rochdale clubs
Together, these organisations are helping build the infrastructure needed to make wheelchair fencing available in more parts of the country.
YOUR CLUB CAN BE PART OF THE NEXT CHAPTER
The loan scheme remains an opportunity for more clubs to get involved.
Clubs do not need to have an established wheelchair fencing programme before exploring the scheme. Access to a frame can help a club begin developing provision, introduce wheelchair fencing within existing sessions and create new opportunities locally.
With frames that have supported competition in Cardiff available to continue their working life within the sport, clubs now have an opportunity to become part of the next stage of the project.
For information about the scheme and how clubs can access equipment, read more on BF’s wheelchair fencing frame loan scheme page.
From a World Cup to local clubs, from international competition in Cardiff back into fencing communities across the country, the frames demonstrate how equipment can have an impact far beyond a single event.
The Cardiff championships may represent an important milestone in their journey, but for the frames, and the clubs and participants who will use them next, the story continues.