Lausanne, 1 July 2015 –
The 2015 World Fencing Championships will take place between 13-19 July in the famous Olympic Stadium sports complex in Moscow, the largest indoor arena in Europe. Although the World Championships were held in Russia in 2014 and 2007, it is the first time they have been back to the capital since 1966, the only previous occasion when Moscow has hosted the event, which began in 1921. 912 fencers from 108 countries will compete to win a title of Champion and to qualify for the Olympics in Rio 2016. Afew weeks after being in Moscow for the last stop of Fencing Grand Prix, the top fencers will return to the Russian capital again to showcase fencing in all weapons.
The Olympic Stadium, or “Olympiyskiy” as it is known locally, was built for the 1980 Olympic Games. It is located in close proximity to the historic centre of Moscow. The central arena has a seating capacity of up to 35,000 and has the dimensions of a standard football pitch.
The 2015 World Fencing Championships are organized under the auspices of the FIE by the Moscow government’s department of physical education and sport, in conjunction with the Russian Fencing Federation, whose president is Alexander Mikhailov.
“To host the Championships in Moscow is a very great pleasure, honour and responsibility for us. Fencing is one of the most popular sports in our country and the Russian Fencing Federation does its best to attract as many young athletes as possible. The World Championships 2015 will perfectly promote the development of fencing all over Russia.” said Mr Mikhailov.
The FIE President, Alisher Usmanov said “Fencing is one of the original sports of the Olympic movement, present from the very beginning. The FIE pays great attention to increasing the appeal of the sport and to improving access to the sport.
A lot of work has gone into staging the 2015 World Championships and I am sure that it will be a success. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation, the Moscow city authorities and the Russian Fencing Federation for their substantial contribution to the organisation of this sporting event. ”
Important Websites
For more information about the athletes and the competition please check the Press Kit, the FIE Info System and Live Results .
Fans and media can follow the live stream of the event on the FIE YouTube Channel and receive the latest information on the FIE twitter as well as on www.fie.org, the FIE Facebook page and FIE Instagram.
FIE Official Partners: TISSOT, MEGAFON, INTERNATIONAL CHARITY FUND FOR THE FUTURE OF FENCING
About the FIE:
The International Fencing Federation (FIE - Fédération internationale d'escrime) is the international governing body for the Olympic sport of fencing. The FIE is based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Currently, the FIE has 150 affiliated member federations.
For further information on the FIE please visit www.fie.org