Olympic sportsman's fencing scheme up for national award (From Southend Standard)

Olympic sportsman's fencing scheme up for national award

10:00pm Friday 11th March 2011 in News

A FORMER Olympic sportsman is celebrating after his children’s fencing initiative was nominated for a national award.

James Beevers, 32, who represented Team GB at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, formed youth fencing group Little Musketeers in 2009 to introduce children aged five and above to the historic art of swordplay.

The Leigh-based company, which provides fencing lessons in schools across south Essex, including Southend, Leigh, Basildon and Grays, has now been nominated for the What’s On 4 2011 Junior Awards, which celebrate the best children’s activities on offer around the UK.

Mr Beevers said: “Fencing holds children’s attention for far longer than other sports, and tests you mentally and physically.

“It appeals to all children, even those who are not traditionally sporty, and parents love it because it allows children to play with swords in a safe and educational way.”

The champion fencer also hopes the initiative, in which youngsters use foam swords before moving on to plastic replicas of metal blades, will also help dispel the perception the sport is elitist or requires serious financial investment.

He added: “I want to give as many children as possible the chance to try the sport who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity.”

To vote in the awards, visit www.whatson4littleones.co.uk/awards-voting.asp before May 6, and the winners will be announced on June 9.

For more information on Little Musketeers, e-mail enquiries@littlemusketeers.com