International Fencing Conference Meeting In Philadelphia (And U.S.) For First Time

Only international sports federation to meet in U.S. in 2011

PHILADELPHIA … December 2, 2011 … For the first time in its 98-year history, the Federation Internationale d’Escrime (FIE), the international governing body for the sport of fencing, will be hosting its annual conference in the United States, when they convene at the Four Seasons Philadelphia this weekend, December 2-4.  More than 230 delegates representing 120 countries will travel to Philadelphia for this international meeting.

“This FIE Congress 2011 is the first FIE Congress to be hosted in the USA. Fencing has made great progress in this country in recent years and this event will provide an additional platform to promote our sport here,” said Alisher Usmanov, FIE President.    “I would like to thank our hosts from USA Fencing, the US Olympic Committee and the Philadelphia Sports Congress for their great efforts in organizing this event.”

Fencing, the art or practice of attack and defense with the foil, épee, or saber, can trace its roots back to the Pharaohs in Ancient Egypt.  It is one of only four sports (including track & field, gymnastics, swimming) to be included in every modern Olympic Games dating back to 1896.

“All of us at USA Fencing are delighted to welcome the FIE Congress – the largest ever and the first in the U.S. – as its members consider matters of importance to the sport of fencing around the world,” said Kalle Weeks, USA Fencing President. “And, as another first, we are especially pleased to be hosting the USA v. the World fencing match (on Sunday, December 4 at 7 PM at the National Constitution Center), which promises to bring fencing at its best to Philadelphia.”

For Philadelphia and the United States, the FIE Congress presents a unique opportunity to connect with key figures in the Olympic movement and lay the groundwork for more meetings and events in the future. The Congress is a partnership between FIE, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), USA Fencing and the Philadelphia Sports Congress (PSC), a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCVB). Among the sponsors are: Delaware Valley Regional Economic Development Fund; Comcast; National Fencing Foundation of Washington D.C.; Absolute Fencing Gear; swordsport.com; Nike; University of Delaware; Saint Joseph’s University; University of Pennsylvania; Citibank and Philadelphia Eagles.

As the international tourism marketing arm of the City, the PCVB and PSC are focused on continuing to position Philadelphia as a top international destination. Since the PCVB’s efforts began in 2000, Philadelphia has moved from the 21st to the 13th most visited American city.
 
“We are honored to welcome the FIE Congress to Philadelphia,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “The delegates represent high-level sports leadership from around the globe, and we are grateful for the opportunity to host them and showcase our world-class city.” 

A number of private special events will mark the conference, including a Welcome Reception at the Franklin Institute on Friday, December 2 and the FIE Gala at the National Constitution Center on Sunday, December 4 (which will include a USA vs. The World fencing match with the world’s top fencers). 

For more information on the 2011 FIE Congress, visit fie.ch.


Editor’s note: The Congress is open to convention delegates only. To schedule an interview, contact Liz Sullivan, 215/636-3412 or lizs@pcvb.org.

The Philadelphia Sports Congress (PSC), a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel, seeks to attract major sporting events and conventions to the Philadelphia area. The Sports Congress, working in conjunction with the City of Philadelphia, the city’s professional teams and universities, has attracted many events to the city and is currently working on bids for future sporting events. To learn more about the Philadelphia Sports Congress, visit www.philadelphiasportscongress.org.