MANAMA, Bahrain, Nov. 18, 2025 – Veteran fencers are ideal role models for the entire fencing world, promoting health, responsibility and an optimistic future of our sport. This FIE Roundtable, held at the 2025 Veteran Fencing World Championships in Manama on Nov. 18, highlighted the legacy role of veterans in fencing, not only protecting their own health but also setting examples in how sport can be practiced responsibly and sutainably. The Roundtable attracted more than 40 attendees at the event, which took place at the Bahrain Intercontinental Hotel.
FIE Executive Committee member Ms. Velichka Hristeva (BUL), who is also the Executive Committee representative to the FIE Veterans’ Council, introduced the Roundtable. The session was led by His Excellency Khaled El Mekwad, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, opening the discussion with his presentation, “The Role of Sport in a Worldwide Rapidly Aging Population: Policy and Societal Changes”.
“Fencing is a lifelong sport, and veterans lead the world when it comes to sending this vital message”, said Rita Comes, President of the FIE Veterans’ Council. “Being a fencer means being part of a global family of all ages, whether as a participant, coach, official or supporter. Our veterans have incredible experiences and stories to share with everyone that give depth, meaning and purpose to living a fencing life.”
The Roundtable emphasized redefining perceptions of older athletes and highlighted the importance of considering medical, physical and mental well-being to support a fulfilling life at any age. Presentations were also delivered by the president of the FIE Medical Commission, the President of the FIE Veterans Council (Ms. Comes), and 87-year-old Veteran World Championships fencing participant Judge Victor Bianchini.
The event addressed specifically how older fencers can leverage their community influence to promote environmental initiatives. The program concluded with presentations from Masters Rowing and Masters Tennis, which shared insights on programme development, marketing strategies and the unique challenges of engaging older athletes.
Panellists programmes at the Roundtable included the following:
- Medical & Social Impacts of Veteran Fencing
- “Fencing as a Lifelong Sport for Health and Wellbeing” – Antonio Fiore, President of the FIE Medical Commission.
- “Adapting Training and Competition Rules to Protect Older Athletes” – Rita Comes, President of the FIE Veterans’ Council
- “Social Inclusion: Fencing as a Way to Stay Active, Connected and Mentally Resilient” – Judge Victor Bianchini, active veteran fencer
- Sustainability Beyond the Environment
- “Sustainability as Continuity: Passing-on Values, Knowledge and Traditions” – Velichka Hristeva, Representative of the FIE Executive Committee in the Veterans’ Council
- “Veteran Athletes as Ambassadors of Eco-Friendly Practices” – Paul Midgley, Team Lead, IFT World Tennis Master Tour
- “The Role of Veterans in Fostering both Ecological and Social Sustainability” – Joyce Bolaños, FIE Veterans’ Council and Fencing and the Environment Working Group Member
- Future Perspectives
- “How Veteran Athletes Can Mentor younger Generations” – Bahrain Fencing Federation Secretary-General Saleh Faraj Sultan Farhan
- “How Masters are Shaping the Sport’s Global Growth” -- Milda Valciukaite, Masters Rowing Coordinator, World Rowing
- “Never Stop Learning: Masters Education Programme at the World Aquatics Master Championships” -- Nikolaus Schönfeldt, Coordinator for Masters and Non-Sport Events, World Aquatics
The fencing community responded positively, and the organisers plan to make a recording of the event available to a wider audience in the near future.