FIE president speech

Welcome to the 2024 Junior and Cadet
Fencing World Championships!

We look forward to seeing you in sunny Riyadh for this important FIE youth event, the first time it is being
hosted in Saudi Arabia.

I thank the Saudi Arabian Fencing Federation for their generosity and dedication to this event, I know it is a tremendous effort to plan and execute World Championships successfully.

In particular, I extend thanks to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme, under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the ambitious vision of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Prime Minister.

Thanks also go to His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki AlFaisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, and Mr. Ahmed Alsabban, President of the Saudi Fencing Federation.

We expect more than 1000 fencers to participate, along with coaches and staff from nearly 100 countries, and we have full confidence in the organisers that the event and experience for everyone will be memorable and positive.

The Junior and Cadet Fencing World Championships features a total of 18 exciting individual and team events in all weapons over nine days of competition. There will also be a training camp and several activities in which fencers and coaches will have an opportunity to learn essential information about anti-doping, Safe Sport and Fair Play. Plus, our Donate Your Fencing Gear! programme will be available to receive equipment donations to benefit countries in need of support for developing fencing in their regions. While you are in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, I hope you take some time to explore the region. The name “Riyadh” comes from an Arabic word for gardens or meadows, and along with a vibrant and exciting city, this fertile region of the desert has many natural and historic sights to enjoy.

I wish you the very best in your preparations for the Junior & Cadet Fencing World Championships and look forward to seeing you in April in Riyadh!

Emmanuel Katsiadakis
FIE Interim President