Differdange, Luxembourg - April 23, 2024 - The European Fencing Confederation (EFC) is proud to announce the commencement of the "6 Tickets 2 Paris" qualifying event, hosted in Differdange, Luxembourg. This event marks the final opportunity for European fencers to secure one of the last available spots for this year's Olympics in Paris.
Over the course of April 26-28, 2024, male and female fencers from across Europe will compete in foil, épée, and sabre disciplines, striving to earn their place on the Olympic stage. The event is set to take place at the City of Sports arena, a venue supported by the logistical and financial assistance of the local community of Differdange, under the leadership of Mayor Guy Altmeisch.
Mayor Altmeisch expressed his gratitude to the fencing Federation for bringing this prestigious event to Luxembourg and extended his best wishes to all participating athletes. He emphasized the importance of community support in showcasing the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence.
The event director, Pascal Tesch, highlighted the significant organizational efforts involving more than 150 individuals from Luxembourg and an additional 50 from around the world. Moreover, the event has been certified as a "Green Event," demonstrating its commitment to sustainability through eco-friendly practices.
Despite the absence of athletes from Russia and Belarus, who participate as neutrals due to external circumstances, the competition promises to showcase the highest levels of skill and determination from the participating athletes.
Flavio Giannote, a participating epee athlete, expressed the honor of representing Luxembourg on home soil and emphasized the positive impact of the event in promoting fencing within the local community.
President of the Olympic Committee of Luxembourg, André Hoffmann, acknowledged the unique opportunity the event presents for Luxembourgish athletes, particularly highlighting Flavio's potential qualification for the Paris Olympics. He encouraged the public to support the athletes and expressed hope for their success.
During the press conference, Giorgio Scarso, President of the European Fencing Confederation, expressed gratitude for the attendees. He noted the impressive turnout: 30 countries represented in men's épée, 24 in women's épée, 20 in women's foil, 25 in men's foil, 17 in saber men, and 13 in saber women. Scarso highlighted the inclusion of the Montenegro Federation, a recent addition to the International Fencing Federation, with one athlete participating. Notably, France, Italy, and Hungary won't compete as they've already qualified their athletes in all weapons. France and Italy have qualified all the teams. Scarso emphasized Europe's dominance in fencing, as it boasts the majority of Olympic qualifiers. He cited examples: Italy, France, and Poland in men's and women's foil, France, Italy, Hungary, and the Czech Republic in épée men, Italy, France, Poland, and Ukraine in épée women, and Hungary, France, and Italy in saber men and France, Hungary, Italy, and Ukraine in saber women. He wished all participants good luck.
Pascal Tesch concluded the press conference by acknowledging the upcoming matches and the significance of the event for Luxembourgish athletes. He highlighted the diverse representation across various disciplines and expressed optimism for a successful competition.
The "6 Tickets 2 Paris" qualifying event not only serves as a platform for elite European fencers but also celebrates the spirit of sportsmanship, community, and sustainable practices. The EFC looks forward to witnessing exceptional performances and wishes all participating athletes the best of luck.
For more information and updates on the event, please visit the European Fencing Confederation's official website.
