Project

Summary and objective of the project

The “Fencing: equity, inclusion and belonging” (F.E.I.B) project aims is to develop social inclusion of marginalized people through fencing. It is based on the innovative idea that sport, particularly fencing, can be adapted to facilitate access for people with disabilities, promoting:

• Integration between people with and without disabilities through joint competitions
• Equal conditions thanks to special adaptations that allow able-bodied people to understand the physical challenges faced by disabled people

The project began in January 2025 and will last for three years. Sports clubs and athletes from Italy, France, Spain, Romania, and Ukraine are particularly involved.

F.E.I.B. “Fencing: equity, inclusion and belonging” has the overall objective of promoting the integration of disabled people and fostering a society based on equality and tolerance through fencing. The practice of sport requires specific skills on the part of sports associations: disabled people need adequate facilities (with tools and places that are accessible for people with disabilities) and trainers who are able to understand their needs, which are different from those of able-bodied people. The project aims to develop these skills to give more and more people with disabilities the opportunity to practice fencing anywhere in Europe.

European values of tolerance, mutual respect, and non-discrimination

Rather than maintaining sporting activities for disabled and able-bodied people as “separate worlds,” the project completely rethinks this approach. Fencing was chosen because it is particularly suitable for this integration, thanks to its versatility and relative practicality in organizing inclusive sporting events.

The first project activity is the realization of a research on the relationship between disability and sport, thanks to the gathering of data from quantitative (surveys) and qualitative (focus groups) analysis carried out by the different partners of the project, targeting sports associations and disabled people.

Core of the project is the development of an innovative methodology (V.A.P.E.P.) for sport operators to create sporting events and activities that simultaneously involve disabled and able-bodied people, fostering integration between the two groups. It is based on 5 pillars: valuing of the individual; awareness; participation; education and civic respect; physical benefits.

After the development of the methodology an online training course is designed and implemented, involving different sport operators. Once trained the operators test the methodology with a group of able bodied and disable people aged between 16 and 30 in all partner countries.

A final event in Milan will be organised.

Promoting equality and European values in and through sport

Fencing for people with physical disabilities is regulated by the International Fencing Federation (IWF) and the International Wheelchair and Amputee Federation (IWAS), while fencing for people with sensory (visual) disabilities is being approved and regulated by the IWF and the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA).

Athletes can participate in competitions at national and international level. Fencing for people with disabilities is an important activity because it offers these athletes the opportunity to practice a sport at a high level, to develop their self-esteem and to have an experience of social integration, respecting the rules by teaching them to seek victory over their opponent without affecting them physically and emotionally but learning how to manage their emotions and impulses.