and badges were handed out along with literature on the rules of fencing and information on the nearest clubs.

On top of the fencing lessons, tickets to the Olympic competition itself were made available to children for the duration of the programme, which carried the tagline: “Learn the Art of Fencing.”

A fencing demonstration was also held near the Copacabana beach on April 20-21, just ahead of the test event, allowing members of the public to give the sport a try along with activities for children.