It is with great regret that the European Fencing Confederation has learned about the passing away of José Júlio de Azevedo Valarinho. He held the position of President of Portuguese federation for eight years and has been active in various functions in fencing for over 30 years.
Also he is the only person to receive three times the FIE Gold Medal. He has received the Olympic Order and the Medal of Sports Merit.
Mr. Valarinho was president of the Portuguese Fencing Federation for two terms beginning in 1992. He joined the organisation in 1969 as president of the Technical Commission, and over several decades he had a significant impact on the growth and development of fencing in Portugal. He participated in a “Plan for the Development of Sports” with a special program, “500 Foils”, and worked to support Portugal becoming more active in international fencing.
Mr. Valarinho took part in organising the first European Championships in Lisbon, 1983, as well as multiple other continental and world competitions held in Portugal during the 1980s and 1990s. His vision for Portuguese becoming a strong participant in world fencing was realised fully when his country’s men’s foil team won the gold medal at the 2000 European Championships in Madeira. After his departure from the presidency, he successfully organised the 2002 Lisbon Fencing World Championships.
Having a traditional Portuguese military education, Mr. Valarinho ultimately became an Army officer, and it was during his schooling where he first experienced fencing along with becoming a skilled equestrian. He graduated with honours as a maître at the Military Sports Center in Mafra, where he was a competitive fencer and took part in the 1959 Universiade as a member of the men’s sabre team. Following school, he became a fencing master, specialised in recruiting and developing young fencers.
The EFC extends its sincere condolences to Jose Valarinho’s family and friends, the Portuguese Fencing Federation and the European Fencing Confederation. We express our deepest sympathy to them during this difficult time.
