Taking place ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing and Para Fencing Championships, the Academy will feature a three-day training camp covering all aspects of the sport. Participants will develop their training and coaching techniques, as well as learn about rules and classification all while strengthening connections with their peers. Aspiring referees will have the opportunity to take part in an education seminar of their own. The sessions will be run by World Para Fencing’s Coaching Representative, Ivan Schwantes. 

Thanks to the Commonwealth Fencing Federation, support to attend the first Academy to take place in Africa is available to a limited number of applicants. All World Abilitysport Members can apply with priority given to Commonwealth or African countries. Flights, accommodation and meals for the recommended delegation of one male and one female athlete, and one coach, from 4-7 August will be fully funded. 

After the Academy has concluded, participants from Commonwealth countries are encouraged to stay on to compete at the Commonwealth Para Fencing Championships in Lagos from 10-13 August where individual and team events in foil and epee will be staged as part of the programme for wheelchair fencing.  

Harry Cootes, Acting Chief Executive Officer of World Abilitysport, said: “A driving force behind our work is to ensure that fencing is open to as many people with disabilities as possible. The Wheelchair Fencing Academy – now entering its fifth year – has provided a platform for many athletes and coaches in new countries and we hope to achieve the same impact with this edition, being held in the African region for the first time. 

“This is a great opportunity for emerging nations to build international connections, gain valuable knowledge from global experts, and compete on the international stage. We hope those who take part leave energised and with the tools to develop the sport further in their clubs and nationally. In addition the Commonwealth Fencing Championships offer athletes and coaches the chance to consolidate their newly found knowledge and compete internationally, many of which will do so for the first time. Ultimately what we are aiming for is more athletes and countries to compete at the highest levels and the Academy and targeted competitions are where that starts.  

“Our thanks go to the Commonwealth Fencing Federation for a great collaboration and the Nigeria Fencing Federation for hosting, as well as our educators for so generously sharing their skills and experience to help build Para fencing around the world.”  

Applications for the Wheelchair Fencing Academy in Lagos are now open. Limited places are available. Invitations have been sent to World Abilitysport Members and national fencing federations.   

The Academy is also open to non-World Abilitysport Members who can support their own attendance. 

For more information, to check eligibility for support and to apply for a place, email [email protected]. The application deadline is 18 May 2026.