Italian fencing team concludes training camp at Aspire Academy
The Italian national U14 fencing team recently concluded a week-long training camp at Aspire Academy. The 12 young fencers travelled to Doha as part of a joint initiative between Aspire Academy, the Italian Fencing Federation, and the Qatar Weightlifting and Fencing Federation. This alliance was formed in December 2017 to develop young Qatari and Italian fencers by providing them with quality training and top competition opportunities in both Qatar and Italy.
As part of this partnership, Aspire Academy can host annual training camps for Italy’s top young fencers, and the Italian Fencing Federation can mutually allow Qatari athletes to be included in Italian domestic competitions including the U14, U17, U20 and the senior circuits, giving them international exposure.
The delegation was led by the Italian Fencing Federation president Giorgio Scarso, who was excited to be back in Qatar.
“The relationship between Italy and Qatar stretches beyond these fencing training camps and serves as a cultural exchange between the two nations and their people. This training camp confirms the agreement we entered into force with our Qatari partners and Aspire Academy and we are happy to put into action what we have agreed to last year. We look forward to the continuation of Italian and Qatari fencers travelling and training with each other,” he said.
Commenting on the benefits of the training camp to Qatari athletes, Qatar national fencing team and Aspire Academy’s coach Massimo Omeri said, “The training camp offers great benefits to fencers from Qatar and Italy. The Italian team athletes are very competitive in Europe, and it’s a great benefit for us. Our fencer Ali Turki will join a senior training camp in Italy which is deemed one of the top federations in the world. Ali has improved his world ranking to No 46 and this is a great leap for fencing in Qatar.”
Meanwhile, Italy’s national team coach Serena Pivotti said, “We have trained together on all weapons including foil, epee and the sabre. I believe that Aspire Academy’s athletes have a bright future and the president of the Italian Fencing Federation is very excited and wants to go further with this collaboration.”
Whilst in Qatar, Aspire Academy provided sports science services for the Italian fencers, including strength and conditioning assessments, physiology, biomechanics, performance analysis, sports psychology, sports nutrition, physiotherapy and medical support in case of injuries.