THE CURTAIN RISES IN BOURGES

Dear friends,

Every Olympic year is a high point for all athletes, fans and sporting federations, and 2016 is no exception. It is a time of great anticipation as the whole world looks forward to the biggest event in sport.

It is a source of pride that fencing is one of the five original Olympic disciplines, and a fixture in every edition of the Games since their inception. We were treated to some unforgettable action on the piste at London 2012 and I have no doubt that Rio 2016 will be even more successful.

There are several important events remaining in the FIE calendar in the lead-up to the Olympic Games including the World Championships and the Grand Prix series, the latter of which will help decide who qualifies for the Olympics.

The Cadet and Junior World Championships also take on special significance in an Olympic year.

I would like to take this opportunity to say that the quality of fencing we see at these championships is improving every year, and the intensity of competition has never been greater. It is clear that some of the young fencers competing in Bourges this year will be representing their countries at the Olympic Games in the future.

The Cadet and Junior World Championships represent a meeting place for young athletes from all over the world. This format is a key part of our plan to drive the global development of fencing. I would like to thank Bourges City Hall, the French Fencing Federation and the organising committee for their efforts in staging the 2016 Cadet and Junior World Championships.

I wish all the athletes and coaches the best of luck and may the best fencers win! ■

Alisher Usmanov

FIE President