COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Budapest. Madrid. Tunis. And how about your hometown?
USA Fencing is on the lookout for clubs, universities or event organizers to host an FIE Junior Saber World Cup in January 2025 and potentially extending annually through the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
Imagine your club bustling with the energy of the world’s best young saber fencers — athletes destined for future Olympic glory. Hosting this event could place your club or community on the map, bringing excitement and prestige to your local area.
If your club or fencing organization is interested in serving as the LOC (local organizing committee) for this tournament, read on and apply by Aug. 16, 2024.
The Basics
USA Fencing has officially been awarded the FIE Junior Saber World Cup for Jan. 17–19, 2025. These dates were set by the FIE (not USA Fencing). Similarly, dates for subsequent years (2026, 2027 and 2028) will be announced as soon as they are confirmed by the FIE, but USA Fencing anticipates all future years will remain in January.
As the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), your duties will include:
- Securing a suitable venue for the event
- Providing all necessary competition equipment
- Arranging hotel accommodations for staff and participants
- Coordinating officials' travel logistics with the National Office
- Organizing ground transportation and meals for tournament officials
In addition to the prestige of hosting, the LOC will retain all registration revenue received from the tournament, though these fees are set by the FIE and cannot be modified.
How to Get Involved
The bid process is now open. Interested organizations must submit their bids using the official application by Aug. 16, 2024.
When preparing your bid, expect to provide the following:
- Proposed Host Facility: Availability for Jan. 17-19, 2025, along with a layout including competition strips, finals strip, seating areas, control/equipment check, awards area, sports medicine, DT, locker rooms/restrooms, and concessions/food vendors.
- Equipment Necessary for Competition: All fencing strips, scoring machines, floor cords and other required competition to be compliant with FIE regulations must be sourced by the LOC.
- Head Tech Information: Name of a national level armorer with experience at North American Cups or other national tournaments.
- Host Hotel: Documentation of a secured room block for attendees and officials, including proposed room rates and types.
- Equipment Vendor Presence: Confirmation of whether an equipment vendor will be present, or details on alternative arrangements for athletes to purchase or repair equipment.
Please note this is a multi-year award, so as the prospective LOC, you will be bidding to host this tournament not just in 2025, but also in 2026, 2027, and 2028! Glen Hollingsworth, USA Fencing’s Director of Events, is available to answer any questions at g.hollingsworth@usafencing.org.