These are the nominees for the Sword of Merit 2021. The Board look forward to announcing the winner at the AGM on the 13 December.
1.Georgina Usher
Georgina Usher (Salle Paul) for guiding British Fencing through the pandemic with grace and fortitude. She forged a path with little guidance from the British Government and worked collaboratively with Scottish Fencing to establish a close and mutually beneficial relationship. Add to that her outrageously successful fencing career and her spectacular recent return to the piste after a competitive absence of 7 years and I believe she is an extremely worthy nominee.
2. Forth Valley Fencing Club
I would like to nominate Forth Valley Fencing club for the following reasons Excellent coaching across all 3 weapons Great adult and junior coaching classes Listening to members and adjusting junior age classes for the youngest members to both have their own group and to mix with the older ones Being Covid secure with great ventilation in the Salle and online bookings to keep tabs on the numbers.
3. Moya Nelson
Moya has been involved with Orkney Fencing Club for many years, currently as lead Coach, Chair and Armourer. She is an inspiration and makes an outstanding contribution.
She ensures year-round fencing for members, supports those travelling to competitions and encourages coaches from the mainland to run summer camps.
Her greatest strength is her ability to organise, co-ordinate, support others and her enthusiasm for the sport.
Moya has embraced the learning available online. As part of the changing lives programme, shows her willingness to understand the future of community sport development, focused on the sustainability of Orkney FC.
4. Karen Grant
Over the last six years Karen has become spokesperson for the Scottish Vets when talking to SF and BVF. Supporting the maintenance of fencing as a life-long pursuit contributing to physical and mental health.
Many people want to compete and enjoy representing Scotland, less are willing to take on the work to make it happen, to be the front of the organisation. Karen has been willing to co-ordinate the team, handle the money, call the meetings, convey the decisions, deal with the occasional fall out, and fence. By acting as our ambassador, giving us a good reputation for fun, laughter, and efficiency she is an inspiration to us all.
In addition to volunteering in Scotland she is also Treasurer of EVF, contributing at an international level, supporting the development of veterans fencing world-wide.
5. West Lothian Fencing Club
WLFC is exemplary and deserves recognition for its significant contribution to fencing. This fairly new, three weapon club has a family feel and has fencers of all ages; it is inclusive, accommodating a wheelchair fencer and welcomes fencers/coaches from other clubs. WLFC is also the lowest priced fencing club in Scotland (fees were even suspended during lockdown). Collaborations with other clubs have helped members to upskill and network with the wider fencing community. The club also has a development squad of 10 young fencers who are starting to win medals and gain recognition. In summary, WLFC has made fencing accessible to low income families within the Central Belt of Scotland, as well as fencers with disabilities. We kept fencing during lockdown with Zoom sessions and then outdoor fencing when it was allowed which kept us all as one club and keeping up with our fencing skills.
