The SwordSeat, a new low-cost alternative to wheelchair fencing, is opening up the sport to grassroots participants. Developed by British Fencing with University of Bath researchers and disability fencing advocates, the device cuts equipment costs by about 95% and is already in use by between 30 and 50 clubs in the UK, France, USA and Germany.
Designed to remove cost barriers
Funded through donations from the British Fencing Charity on behalf of British Fencing and directed by Rick Rodgers, the SwordSeat is the national governing body's response to the prohibitive cost and equipment requirements of wheelchair fencing. The design was led by Dr. Ed Elias with Integrated Design Engineering student Conor Roberts at the University of Bath.
Rick Rodgers, Inclusion Manager (Disability) at British Fencing, said: "SwordSeat is our solution to the prohibitive costs of wheelchair fencing, which is highlighted as a barrier to participation at clubs. Finding a solution for grassroots participation, which removes the wheels – a big cost barrier – and put the frame and chair together into one unit was the aim of this system."
Cost reduced by 95%
The design reduces the cost from many thousands of pounds to a few hundred and replaces bulky metal frames with a low-cost, DIY, adaptable and transportable unit. Rodgers added: "It's reduced cost by about 95% from frames and wheelchairs, down to something that's really easy to provide. There's a wider offering in participation than there is in performance."
"We've got between 30 and 50 clubs now using these chairs – while we now have France, USA and Germany all signed up, to our International SwordSeat Family," he said.
Grassroots focus and future potential
Rodgers stressed the system is aimed at beginner level, not international competition. "For a beginner wheelchair fencer, this system is available in clubs for them to pull out of the cupboard to help entrance level participation," he said. "It's about everyone having the opportunity to see where they can go – I would love to see every club have a SwordSeat and that to form the start of a pathway for athletes."
He also highlighted the design's versatility, suggesting it could be used in other sports or settings. "Yoga is an obvious example – while we're talking about taking it into care homes, so older people could use it. There's a possibility it could be used an athletics throwing frame – for things like shot put, discus and javelin, which are static," he said. "We're very open to other national governing bodies and federations getting involved."
British Fencing's Charitable Fund supports the development of fencing and aims to diversify participation by providing financial and other support to encourage and nurture future talent.
