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A group which has brought new sporting opportunities to over 6000 young people in the South West has been awarded the 2009 BBC Power of Sport Award, supported by Sport England.

Fence Cornwall, developed by Truro Fencing Club, is using the power of sport to improve the lives of young people in the South West and engages them in new, non-mainstream sports by bringing free fencing taster session to clubs and schools. Thanks to the project, thousands of children have experienced the fun of fencing.

The BBC Power of Sport Award was presented to Fence Cornwall by Sport England at last night’s awards ceremony at the University of Plymouth. The award recognises real projects that have made a difference in the community and Fence Cornwall is a leading example of this.

The taster sessions are targeted at primary and secondary schools in Cornwall and have resulted in nearly 20 after school fencing clubs being set up in the area. There are now over 600 children taking part every week. 

The project has brought the sport to many rural communities, which include some of the smallest schools in the UK, since its launch in September 2007. Fence Cornwall has dedicated more than 450 coaching hours free of charge to schools and the results have been fantastic.

Josiah Haslam, a 14 year old from Helston, joined the after-school fencing club at his school two years ago. He then went onto to join the new community fencing club in the town, where he trains regularly. Most recently he represented the club at the British Championships, where he won matches in the under 17 category.

Josiah said:

“Although I’m OK in a few sports, fencing was the one that I seemed better at than most people! I’ve met loads of new people at the Helston and Truro clubs, and I can see my fencing improve and my confidence and fitness getting better in everything, including at school and other sports. One day I’m hoping to fence for the British team too so I’ll keep training and do more competitions in the future.”

Future plans for fencing in Cornwall include bringing two new coaches to the area, and they plan to offer a further 100 free taster sessions and set up 10 new school clubs serving up to 200 young people. Organisers also plan to establish Cornwall’s first disabled fencing club, under the leadership of a Paralympic level coach.  The largest development for the future is the plan to build a dedicated fencing centre in Cornwall which will be the focal point of all the activity within the County.  The centre will also be a national training facility for fencers, coaches and referees to international level.

Collecing the BBC Power of Sport Award, Chris Buxton, Fence Cornwall’s head sabre coach, said:

"It's fantastic that a minority sport has been recognised. The publicity will help us generate even more support for the club and the children and young people who fence with us. I'm very proud and pleased for everyone involved."

David Holdsworth, Controller BBC English Regions, added: "All of our Power of Sport award winners are making a real difference through sport to the lives of people in their communities.  Finding and telling these fantastic stories back to our audiences across England are at the heart of what the BBC is here to do, so we're delighted to be part of these awards."

Sport England is supporting the BBC Power of Sport Award. Jennie Price, Sport England’s Chief Executive, presented Fence Cornwall with their award. Jennie said:

“This award celebrates the power of sport to improve lives and enrich local communities. The Fence Cornwall project proves just what can be achieved when you have great ideas backed by dedicated people.”

Notes to Editors:

You can read a full profile of Fence Cornwall by going to their case study page

For more information on the BBC Power of Sport Awards, supported by Sport England, please visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/8296653.stm

Fence Cornwall

• Fence Cornwall is a community outreach sports project developed by Truro Fencing club and began in September 2007.
• The project offers free fencing taster sessions to primary and secondary schools in Cornwall and has helped establish fencing clubs in the area. 
• The project aims to take high quality and low cost sporting activity to communities who may not normally access such minority sports and increase participation in physical activity across Cornwall.
• More than 600 children are now fencing in school clubs every week in Cornwall. 
• Fence Cornwall has delivered 450 coaching hours free of charge. 
• Go to: http://www.trurofencing.co.uk/

Sport England

Sport England invests National Lottery and Exchequer funding in organisations and projects that will grow and sustain participation in grassroots sport and create opportunities for people to excel at their chosen sport.

Sport England is committed to creating a world-leading community sport system, and has set specific and measurable targets to achieve by 2012/13:

• One million people doing more sport
• A 25% reduction in the number of 16- to 18-year-olds who drop out of at least five key sports
• Improved talent development systems in at least 25 sports
• A measurable increase in people’s satisfaction with their experience of sport
• A major contribution to the delivery of the five hour sports offer for children and young people.