Wheelchair Fencing
Wheelchair Fencing
An ever-present on the Paralympic sport programme since Rome 1960, wheelchair fencing is governed by the International Wheelchair & Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS).
Wheelchair fencing was developed by Sir Ludwig Guttmann at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital and was introduced to the world at the Rome 1960 Paralympic Games.
Men and women with amputations, spinal-cord injuries and cerebral palsy are eligible to compete in foil epee (men and women) and saber (men) events. Their wheelchairs are fastened to the floor during competition.
The International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) is the global governing body of the sport.
All wheelchair fencers have an impairment of their legs or feet and compete in wheelchairs.
CLASSES
Fencers in category A have good trunk control, whereas category B athletes have an impairment that impacts their trunk or their fencing arm.
ELIGIBLE IMPAIRMENT TYPES
Impaired muscle power
Athetosis
Impaired passive range of movement
Hypertonia
Limb deficiency
Ataxia
Leg length difference
