What is Wheelchair fencing?

What is Wheelchair fencing?

Wheelchair fencing is a fast-moving battle of tactics and technique. Athletes compete in wheelchairs that are fixed into a frame fastened to the floor. The rules are based on those of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) with amendments appropriate to the needs of the wheelchair fencers.

Who can participate Wheelchair fencing?

Only people with locomotor disabilities may compete in Wheelchair Fencing; the most common are amputations, paraplegia, congenital malformations and strokes. Categories are divided according to each athlete’s balance in the wheelchair, and the condition of the arm which will wield the weapon.

When was Wheelchair fencing introduced to the Paralympics?

1960
Wheelchair fencing was developed by Sir Ludwig Guttmann at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital and was introduced to the world at the Rome 1960 Paralympic Games. Men and women with amputations, spinal-cord injuries and cerebral palsy are eligible to compete in foil epee (men and women) and saber (men) events.

What happened Beatrice Vio?

The infection struck Beatrice swiftly and silently – turning her life upside down in just three days. Hers was a rare and particularly deadly strain of meningitis. A young Venetian, Beatrice Vio – “Bebe” to her friends – was just 11 years old when she contracted the disease.

What are the rules for wheelchair fencing?

The first to land five touches onto their opponent wins the match. Competitors must never hurt the opponent and weapons must never be modified. If a competitor has difficulty grasping or controlling the weapon by hand, it may also be attached to the arm. The wheelchair must not be rigid and its height must be 53cm.

How did Bebe Vio become disabled?

Bebe Vio was born in Venice on 4 March 1997 as the second of three siblings and raised in Mogliano Veneto. In late 2008, when she was 11 years old, she contracted meningitis. In order to save her life, doctors had to amputate both her legs at the knee, and both her forearms.

Is Bebe VIO going to Tokyo?

Bebe Vio: Another big performance at the Paralympics She went into the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics as the number one ranked fencer in the individual women’s foil – category B.

What are 5 rules in fencing?

Important Fencing Safety Rules

• Wear proper attire.
• Weapons always pointed down.
• Weapons are pointed away from others.
• Mask are on when weapons are raised.
• Salute must be done from the enguarde lines.
• Put away all equipment.
• Don’t wear fencing shoes outdoors.
• Inspect the mask and weapon, every time.

What do you say when you win in fencing?

What do fencers say when they win? In tournament competitions, it is best not to say anything that could offend other competition members. Usually, a short “good job” or “nice fencing” is an excellent way to end a match on good terms.

How many medals does Bebe VIO have?

two gold medals
In addition to her two gold medals, Bebe, who hails from the Veneto region in northern Italy, has won three consecutive world championship titles in 2015, 2017, and 2019.

Where is Beatrice Vio from?

Venice, Italy
Beatrice Vio/Place of birth

Can a person in a wheelchair participate in fencing?

Fencing for wheelchair users is an official sport in the Paralympic Games. All interested, physically challenged athletes are eligible to participate in wheelchair fencing competitions. Fencing events include Foil, Epee, and Sabre. Both men and women are eligible to compete in Foil and Epee, while only men are eligible to compete in the Sabre.

When did the sport of wheelchair fencing start?

Wheelchair fencing first began in England during the early 1950s. The sport was started to help wounded soldiers more quickly recover their strength and stamina, as well as relieve stress from injuries on the battlefield. The equipment and rules for wheelchair fencing closely mirror those used for able-bodied fencing.

What kind of weapons are used in wheelchair fencing?

Wheelchair Fencing is an exciting, dynamic and fast paced sport. It is played by two athletes either as an individual event or as part of a team. Modified swords; foil, epee and sabre, are used to score points on specific areas on the body, depending on the weapon type.

What is the target area for wheelchair fencing?

In Epee competitions, the target area is the waist up. A long metallic cape called a “lame” is worn across the lap to cancel out any touches that land there. The official governing body of fencing for wheelchair users is the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation.