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Wheelchair Fencing

HISTORY OF WHEELCHAIR FENCING

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.

Two men in wheelchairs fencing
ⒸAugusto Bizzi
Wheelchair fencing has been part of the Paralympic programme since Rome 1960

 

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. Their wheelchairs are fastened to the floor during competition.

The International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) is the global governing body of the sport.