Naples, Italy, the designated European Capital of Sport in 2026, set the stage for an exhilarating press conference today as it announced the European Championships for Cadets and Juniors in fencing. The event took place at the prestigious University of Naples Federico II.
Scheduled to take place from the 22nd to the 29th of February, the PalaVesuvio arena will welcome over a thousand athletes from 45 countries spanning all continents. These talented fencers will engage in fierce competition, vying for the 24 championship titles up for grabs.
Prominent figures from the world of fencing were in attendance, including Elisa di Francisca, a two-time Olympic champion in foil, and Valerio Cuomo, the sixth-ranked Italian fencer in épée and a local hero from Naples. Accompanying them were Giorgio Scarso, the President of the European Fencing Confederation, Andrea Abodi, the Minister of Sport, and Giovanni Malagò, the President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI).
Among those who welcomed the distinguished guests were Sandro Cuomo, the event organizer, the Mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi, Emanuela Ferrante, representing the Council for Sports in Naples, and Paolo Azzi, the President of the Italian Fencing Federation.
It's worth emphasizing that the highest sports authorities in Italy, with the Minister of Sport serving as the President of CONI, highlighted the great importance of fencing and expressed Italy's gratitude to the European Confederation for awarding the championships to Naples.
Giorgio Scarso, President of the European Fencing Confederation, expressed his immense excitement and satisfaction, stating, "This is truly a remarkable achievement and a bet successfully won. After a year of preparations, we are now witnessing the genuine and authentic fencing that will take place in Naples as the host of the Junior Championships. These competitions promise to deliver thrilling experiences and showcase the highest level of technical skill."
During the press conference, Sandro Cuomo expressed his gratitude and excitement over hosting such a prestigious sporting event in Naples. He mentioned that with the city's rich history and passion for sports, Naples is poised to deliver an unforgettable tournament, showcasing the finest talent in European Cadet and Junior fencing.
The European Fencing Confederation will broadcast the Championship on its YouTube channel, so stay updated by subscribing to us.
