Press Release: Coventry becomes London 2012 training camp for GB athletes

Coventry has become a training venue for some of the nation’s top swordsmen as we reach the sharp end of the countdown to London 2012.Members of the Great Britain wheelchair fencing team have based their training operation at Coventry University’s sports science department where they are also hoping the university’s academics can help to fine tune their techniques.The weekly sessions are organised by Coventry and Warwickshire fencing club Salle Ursa and the fencers are trained by the club’s head coach Peter Rome.The group is also working with the university’s performance analysis team to try and develop training programmes and techniques which will give them a vital edge over competitors as they aim to be selected to compete at London 2012.Rome, who has been involved with wheelchair fencing for around 15 years, said the sport had become increasingly popular, both in the region and across the UK.“There has been a startling increase in the number of people taking part in the sport since I started coaching,” he said.“When I first began there were four schools in Coventry and Warwickshire which coached the sport, there are now over 30 and there has been a similar increase across the country.“There has also been a major rise in the numbers taking part as we approach the London 2012 Games.”The club is making sure they harness the potential and added enthusiasm provided by London 2012 and use it to the sport’s advantage through a project it has called Fencing Inspires.Rome added: “We wanted to bring a taste of the Olympics and Paralympics to Coventry and Warwickshire and have been travelling around the region offering taster sessions.“We have now given over 400 people the chance to experience fencing and to take advantage of the guidance and knowledge of high level fencers.“The aim is to increase awareness of the sport and hopefully increase the numbers of people participating and the pool of talent the country has to select from.”Participants in the Coventry University-based sessions travel from as far afield as Yorkshire to take part and Will Bastin, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership assistant for the 2012 Games, believes this underlines the quality of the facilities based in the region.“It is a glowing endorsement for the region to have been able to attract and train these elite level athletes and credit must go to Salle Ursa, as well as the university, for the fantastic work they have done.“It is also encouraging to see the work they are engaging in to increase the numbers of people in the region participating in sport and we aim to support them in any way we can.“The hard work and dedication these fencers put into their sport underlines the powerful effect sport can have and we hope others will be inspired by their achievements.”ENDS
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