The world of sport is currently experiencing a real “Fencing Revolution”.
The number of fencers and clubs throughout the world is on a continual growth path, as well as the national fencing federations affiliated to International Fencing Federation (FIE.) More and more athletes and teams from non-traditional fencing countries are excelling and achieving medals at World Championships and Olympic Games. The involvement in Africa is still low compared to the rest of the fencing fraternity in the world. A total of 14 fencing federations, from 60 African countries are members of the FIE. Despite the tremendous efforts of the FIE, the development of fencing in Africa is still a major challenge. This is borne out by the fact that South Africa was the only African country to participate in the team section of the World Championships in 2005.


In 2005, Alisher Usmanov, a former fencer and a world-renowned businessman, established an international charitable foundation, “For the Future of Fencing,” aimed to assist a tremendously beautiful and exciting sport “fencing” in Africa. The sole purpose of this organization is not only to assist federations, clubs, athletes, but also financing. This will allow the development of projects, equipment procurement, support of scientific researches, and the newest technologies in the refereeing process and competitions.

During the course of last year, the international charitable foundation, “For the Future of Fencing” has spent nearly one million US dollars on fencing development in Europe, America and Asia. In 2006 Help Comes to Africa!!! In March 2006, the Office of International Foundation opened its doors in Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa. 2006 looks promising, as 150,000 US dollars has already been provided for the development of fencing in Africa.

Dear friends, International charitable foundation, “For the Future of Fencing,” invites all interested organizations, clubs, and private individuals to participate in assisting us in make fencing flourish. We will be grateful to anyone and everyone to assist us with any suggestions, proposals, ideas, or projects that you might have.

Any feedback or contributions in this regard will be highly appreciated.

Kind regards,
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Dr. Gennady Tyshler
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Vice-President of International charitable foundation « For the future of fencing»
President of South African Amateur Fencing Association

P.S. We would highly appreciate it if all interested parties in Africa could please provide us with correct contact information to ensure effective communications, be it telephonic or email.