United Through Challenge and Resilience
A Shocking Incident in Rio
The European fencing community was deeply shaken by the news of a devastating fire at the Velodrome in Rio de Janeiro, which occurred during the 2026 Junior and Cadet World Championships. The incident cast a sudden shadow over an event that had been prepared with great dedication and professionalism, highlighting how quickly unforeseen circumstances can challenge even the most carefully organised competitions.
Rapid Response and Collective Effort
Despite the severity of the situation, it was a great relief to learn that no one was injured. Thanks to the swift and effective intervention of the firefighters, the situation was brought under control in time to prevent further damage. Their professionalism and courage ensured not only safety but also the possibility for the championships to continue.
Equally remarkable was the response of the organising committee, volunteers, and technical staff, who demonstrated extraordinary resilience. In an impressive display of teamwork and determination, they managed to reorganise the event almost overnight, creating alternative solutions that allowed the competition to proceed with minimal disruption.
A Message of Unity from Europe
In a letter addressed to the President of the Brazilian Fencing Federation, Pascal Tesch, President of the European Fencing Confederation, expressed heartfelt solidarity on behalf of the entire European fencing family.
He conveyed deep compassion for the organisers and recognised the immense effort that had gone into staging the championships, efforts that were so dramatically affected by the fire. At the same time, he underlined the unity of the fencing community, emphasising that in moments like these, solidarity and mutual support become stronger than any setback.
