Birmingham International Fencing Competition 2008

The Birmingham International Fencing Tournament, one of the sport's key UK events, takes place at the University of Birmingham Munrow Sports Centre on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March (Easter Sunday), with an expected 600 participants from four continents. Now in its 74th year, the 2008 tournament has confirmed entries from Canada, Denmark, Holland, Kuwait, Sweden, Brazil, Czech Republic, France, Hong Kong, Turkey, Italy and the USA. It is the final opportunity in the fencing calendar to make a significant mark before the British Championships in the summer, and is also seen as a key launching ground for prospective Olympians looking to compete in Britain's 2012 Olympics. The 2007 Men's Foil winner, local fencer Rhys Melia, built on his success to propel himself at age 16 into the UK top 10, and has since proceeded to the world championships. Rhys will be defending his title at this year's event.

Preliminary rounds begin from 9:00 am on each day, and the final of Men's foil, Women's foil and Men's sabre on 22 March will be held in the presence of the Lord Mayor Cllr Randall Brew and Lady Mayoress from 6.30 pm. Cllr Ray Hassall, Cabinet Member for Sport Leisure and Culture, will also be present. Members of the public are welcome to attend, and more information is available at www.birminghaminternational.org.uk.

Joan Whitehouse, Chair of West Midlands Fencing, said today: "With so many countries seeking training environments for preparation for the 2012 Olympics it is important that Birmingham shows it has much to offer and attracting fencers on this scale is a good way of doing just that."