Africa's first Wheelchair Fencing Academy opens in Lagos

The 2026 ENABLE Wheelchair Fencing Academy, hosted by World Abilitysport in collaboration with the Commonwealth Fencing Federation, runs from August 5 to August 7 at Rugby School Nigeria. It will host athletes, coaches, referees, and volunteers from various countries including Liberia, Gambia, Brazil, Namibia, USA/UK, Rwanda, Togo, Botswana, and Nigeria. ENABLE, an initiative of REACH Africa, aims to transform lives through adaptive sport, education, leadership, and opportunity for persons with disabilities.

Participants will receive intensive training in fencing techniques, coaching methodologies, competition rules, athlete classification, and officiating, led by Tonye Sawari and Ivan Schwantes. Following the Academy, athletes will compete in individual and team foil and epee events during the Commonwealth Championships. Harry Cootes, Acting Chief Executive Officer of World Abilitysport, highlighted the academy's role in making fencing accessible, while Rachael Samuel, REACH Africa Chairperson, emphasized its commitment to providing opportunity, dignity, and excellence through sport for young people with disabilities.