Around 100 youngsters aged 10 to 17 enjoyed an action-packed week of fencing in Dakar, Senegal, this 9 to 16 September, as the International Fencing Federation (FIE) teamed up with the Senegal Fencing Federation to deliver a training camp that combined inspiring educational sessions and cultural exchange.

Taking place a month ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), the camp featured a dynamic programme led by a team of instructors, including four Olympic fencers: Egypt’s Alaaeldin Abouelkassem; Tunisia’s Azza Besbes; Senegal’s Alexandre Bouzaid; and Daryl Homer of the United States. [For detailed biographies of the athletes, see the FIE news story announcing the training camp.]

FIE-UNHCR partnership

Marking the official start of cooperation between the FIE and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 20 additional participants, including young refugees from the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad, Mauritania and the Republic of the Congo, were nominated through the body’s Senegal office. 

Going forward, the FIE-UNHCR partnership will focus on joint initiatives and local humanitarian programmes around the world.

A strong start

Senegal National Olympic Committee (NOC) Secretary General Seydina Omar Diagne got things started on Day 1 with a welcome address to the young participants, who were then put through their paces during their first training session.

The official opening ceremony was the highlight of Day 2. Attendees included African Fencing Confederation President Mbagnick Ndiayé; Senegal Fencing Federation Secretary General Mamadou Sy; Senegalese Ministry of Sports Director of Training and Human Resources Marieme Kane Diallo; Senegalese Ministry of National Education Director of Sports and Youth Activities Moussa Dia, UNHCR in Senegal Chef de Bureau Fanette Blanc; and FIE Projects and Development Director Elena Murdaca. 

Another memorable moment was the handover of equipment donated by Azza Fencing and Vango, the world’s largest supplier of fencing courses. The donations were made both to the participating athletes as well as to local schools that offer fencing courses, thereby supporting the sport’s growth in the region long into the future. The FIE covered the costs of shipping the equipment, customs clearance and safety checks.

Difference-makers

Throughout the week, participants received hands-on training under the tutelage of the four Olympians.

Besbes, Abouelkassem and Homer joined the young participants to watch footage of some of their prior bouts. Besbes and Abouelkassem recalled starting their careers without access to essential equipment, emphasising that these early challenges had not prevented them from reaching the highest level and becoming champions. They encouraged the beginner fencers not to be discouraged by limited resources or other obstacles, and to continue pursuing their ambitions. 

“This means a lot to me to have an opportunity and a platform to give back,” Homer said. “Through the sport, I built confidence and character, and I started to do better at school, so I hope these kids are able to take the same away.”

Bouzaid recounted his sporting journey and offered first-hand insight into the dedication required to compete at the highest level. He also made a generous donation of uniforms, protective clothing, breeches and national tracksuits, providing the aspiring fencers with valuable equipment and a lasting reminder of an inspiring encounter with an Olympian.

The pace intensified as the young fencers joined members of the Senegalese national epee team for five fast-moving practical workshops, followed by demonstrations and exhibition matches featuring team members Bourama Keba Sagnan, Philippe Mendes, Aminata Sabaly and Diarrietou Lahi Gningue. The youngsters then put their skills to the test against the athletes in a series of short bouts, with every decisive moment met by enthusiastic applause.

“When I see the kids having so much fun, I feel really happy and thankful for the fencing community,” said Mendes, reflecting on his experience at the camp. “I love the fact that it reminds me of my childhood, when I had the same experience at camps in Saint Louis.”

The momentum continued as IGNITX safe sport educator and Dakar 2026 Sport Engagement Programme Coordinator Djibril Ba delivered engaging safe sport sessions, while Abouelkassem led further training on the piste.

On 14 September, participants got a rare, close-up look at the Olympic Flame two days after its arrival in Dakar, sharing in the excitement surrounding Dakar 2026.

The following day featured an environmental workshop run by Dakar 2026 Organising Committee Impact & Legacy Coordinator Ibrahima Ngom, and a fair play session led by Hassene Zouari, FIE Fair Play Council member and Technical Director of the African Fencing Confederation.

Finished with a flourish

The event culminated in a Youth Fencing Festival replete with medal ceremonies that celebrated teamwork, cultural exchange, and athletic spirit. Dakar 2026 mascot Ayo the Lion also joined in the festivities. 

Combining elite mentorship with long-term community support, the camp left all the athletes thoroughly inspired for the future.

In a moving tribute to those who took part in the camp, Besbes said: “Honestly, I don’t think the Olympians and I came to this camp to teach. It’s really the kids that are here at the camp that inspired us.”