Qatar’s first wheelchair fencing classes have been launched at the French-Qatari Lycee Voltaire under the sponsorship of Definitely Able, a Sasol initiative, and telecommunications provider Ooredoo.
The classes will demonstrate the important role of sports in improving fitness and enhancing self-confidence for people with disabilities, according to a press statement.
The event saw the unveiling of set of advanced wheelchairs specially designed for wheelchair fencing. The new wheelchairs provide users with smooth and functional control, allowing them to safely master the sport of fencing.
Wheelchair fencing was developed by Sir Ludwig Guttmann at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital in England and was introduced to the world at the Rome 1960 Paralympic Games. Disabled men and women who usually use a wheelchair in their daily lives are eligible to compete in foil epee (men and women) and saber (men) events. Their wheelchairs are fastened to the floor during competition.
The classes will demonstrate the important role of sports in improving fitness and enhancing self-confidence for people with disabilities.
