Compete at the Commonwealth and European Champs

Hi, my name is Sophia, I am a 16 year old fencer from a small village in Norfolk. This week I received the very exciting news that I have been selected for two major international competitions. I have been selected to represent Great Britain at the European cadet and Junior championships in Naples, Italy in February and I have also been selected to represent England at the Commonwealth cadet and junior championships in New Zealand in July.

In order to qualify I had to consistently achieve high positions in six UK qualifying competitions this year in London, Manchester, Nottingham and Cardiff, and be in the top 35% in five international competitions in Grenoble, Klagenfurt, Copenhagen, Bratislava and Budapest. This year has been an amazing learning experience but it has also been a big financial sacrifice for my parents who are both teachers, and who are also supporting my brother at university.

I took up fencing when I was 10 in order to compete in pentathlon as I was already a competitive swimmer, and won the U12 British fencing Championships in only my second competition. Since then I have worked extremely hard and been very successful in competitions, training up to 20 hours per week. My life is extremely hectic, I have to juggle training, frequent competitions and studying for my A levels. I have to travel long distances to get to fencing clubs, so I mostly eat, do my homework and sleep in the car (and so does my mum!). I have the support of my amazing coaches in Norwich who give up a lot of their time for me.

I am incredibly proud that I have this amazing opportunity to represent England and Great Britain but will not be able to go there without financial help. I am looking to raise £3000 in order to compete in both competitions and I am hoping that you will help me follow my dream so that I can go.

The costs of the competitions are below:

Commonwealth Cadet and Junior Championships 11th-19th July 2024

Details: The England fencing squad will travel and stay together in a team accommodation for the duration of the competition.

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

Costs

• Flights est. £1500-2000

• Accommodation: 7 nights B&B @ £50-100

• Food: 7 days £30 per day £210

Total cost est: £2060 - £2910

European Junior and cadet championships 20th -26th February 2024

Details: Fencers to make own way to venue but stay together in team hotel for duration of competition

Location: Naples, Italy

Costs:

• Entry Fee £120

• British Fencing costs (staff & referee) est. £250

• Flights with Ryanair £201

• Accommodation: 5 nights B&B @ £70-85

• Food: 5 days £30 per day total £150

• Compulsory GB patches for competition kit £40

Total £931

Overall minimum total £2991 – 3841

My Goal is £3000. I hope that you can help me. Thank you for taking the time to read this and if you decide you can support me, thank you so much, it means everything to me. I wouldn’t be able to have this opportunity without you. I hope to study medicine after my A levels and one day I hope to be able to repay my debt and help support other athletes like me who also need support. I know how important it is to them and I know how difficult it can be to achieve your dreams.

Sophia.