As we say goodbye to 2023 and embrace the Olympic year with open arms, the European Fencing Confederation (EFC) would like to offer our warmest congratulations to all our dedicated athletes, coaches, and fans. The upcoming year promises to be an exhilarating one, filled with thrilling competitions and awe-inspiring performances.
One of our main focuses for the coming year is the consolidation of the Solidarity Programme. With support from founding federations such as France, Hungary, Spain, Great Britain, Sweden, and Italy, this initiative aims to strengthen the bonds between European fencing federations. Through this programme, the EFC will continue to provide support in various areas to ensure the growth and development of the sport.
Additionally, the EFC will closely monitor the Promotional Programme. The efforts made in Montenegro, Kosovo, and Bosnia-Herzegovina have yielded promising results. Furthermore, we will continue our efforts to promote the sport in new regions. One such region we are aiming to target in 2024 is Albania, with the hope of creating opportunities for fencers and sharing the joy of fencing.
Furthermore, the EFC is diligently working towards the successful realisation of the U14 Youth Festival at the end of the 2023/24 season. This festival serves as a platform for young fencers to showcase their skills and compete at a high level.
But that's not all. The most significant EFC events of the year are eagerly anticipated and planned for the upcoming period. One such event is the cadet and junior European championships, which will take place in the historic city of Naples, Italy. This event will provide a platform for young fencers to showcase their skills.
Another highly important event is the Olympic zonal qualification event in Luxembourg. This is a crucial milestone for top athletes from European countries who were unable to qualify with their teams, as they will compete for the last chance to secure their spots at the Olympic Games.
Moreover, the EFC will continue to support and encourage the next generation of fencing stars through the European Championships U23 in the beautiful city of Antalya. This event will showcase the immense potential and raw talent of young athletes, offering them an opportunity to shine and pave their way to success in the future.
The European Senior Fencing Championships are set to take place in Basel, Switzerland, and are gearing up to become the ultimate pre-Olympic "test drive" for athletes. As the last major competition before the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the European Championships hold immense significance for athletes seeking to fine-tune their strategies and gain a competitive edge.
Last but certainly not least, the pinnacle of the fencing season will be the long-awaited Olympic Games in the captivating city of Paris, France. With European fencers dominating the world stage, there is strong hope that our athletes will bring home an impressive haul of medals. After all, eight out of the twelve 2022-2023 World Cup winners proudly represented Europe, a testament to the remarkable talent we possess.
As we embark on this remarkable journey, the European Fencing Confederation stands united in our support for our fencers, coaches, and teams. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated fans who have stood by us throughout the years, cheering on our athletes with unwavering enthusiasm.
