Botswana Amateur Fencing Society (BAFS) will on the 12th September 2020 join the world in the celebration and recognition of World Fencing Day 2020.
The BAFS will be joining the celebrations as a show of collaboration, solidarity and communication with the rest of the fencing world.
Information reaching this publication is that the BAFS ‘seeks to celebrate the event in Gaborone or one of the surrounding villages.’
The federation is however said to ‘still be waiting for permission from the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) to carry on with the event.
According to the International Fencing Federation (FIE), the celebrations will be held under the theme, ‘Fencing, a Passion, a Family.’
The theme is born out of the FIE’s belief that ‘the sport empowers people across the globe to come together, a celebration under the theme will be celebrated across the world.’
Speaking in an interview with this publication, BAFS mouthpiece Ewetse Khama revealed that they wish to host the event in an outdoor facility.
Khama says this is done ‘for the sake of better ventilation and social distancing purposes due to risks of the COVID 19 pandemic.’
“We are yet to receive the green light from our masters to hold the event due to challenges we face,” the BAFS spokesperson explained.
Should their request to host the event not be approved, Khama said ‘there is another plan to do the creative and virtual celebration.’
“It is always important to celebrate such events as they educate and lure new members to the sport. We believe it will be an opportunity for us to celebrate with other members online,” Khama explained.
Meanwhile, the FIE has advised the global fencing community to participate in a creative and virtual celebration due to the disturbing COVID 19 pandemic that has affected sporting activities.
In a statement, FIE says “by hosting digital fencing events, posting activities to the FIE You Tube and social media channels and in general letting the world know via the web that fencing is both a family and a passion, this year’s event will be unique and inclusive to people everywhere We are fencers, and together we understand how to persevere the fight with honor and friendship, always positive and finding light in challenging times.”