Latest news with #Fencing
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Lack of cash could see Hong Kong drop out as hosts of fencing World Cup
Hong Kong could be forced to withdraw as hosts of the FIE Women's Foil World Cup next year because of a lack of sponsors, sources have told the Post. Advertisement The three-day tournament, featuring individual and team events like this year's edition at AsiaWorld-Expo, is scheduled to run from January 9 to 11. However, securing financial backing has proved difficult in the current economic climate. 'We were awarded the rights by FIE but securing sponsors would be crucial and given the current economic environment, it's highly likely that we might not be able to get one,' a source said. 'It would be great if we could do it, but that being said, there are other priorities. 'First it's the National Games, then there is the FIE Junior Men's and Women's Epee World Cup, and there's also the all-important World Championships next July. The World Cup was the last thing to worry about.' Hong Kong's Kuan Yu-ching (right) against Ukraine's Anna Tarankeno. Photo: Dickson Lee Fencing at the National Games will run from November 15 to 20 at Kai Tak Arena, followed by the Junior Epee World Cup at AsiaWorld-Expo from November 28 to 30.
Fox News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
USA Fencing clarifies chairman's photo which caused frenzy before hearing
USA Fencing chairman Damien Lehfeldt clarified a photo posted on his private Instagram account on Wednesday, showing that he was holding up two fingers. Lehfeldt's initial photo appeared to show him holding up a middle finger ahead of a hearing in front of Congressional lawmakers on keeping men out of women's sports. The photo showed his other finger cropped out of the photo. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON A caption, which read "game day," was placed on the top of the photo. USA Fencing shared the full uncropped photo from Lehfeldt with Fox News Digital. The hearing comes weeks after fencer Stephanie Turner knelt in protest of a transgender opponent at an event. It sparked outrage against the organization, and it led Turner to step away from the sport altogether. The organization said last month it was preparing to amend its current policies that allow biological males to compete with women and girls in the event that it is "forced" to change them. "In the event that USA Fencing is forced to change its current stance in accordance with oversight bodies or federal legislation, the new policy states athletes competing in USA Fencing-sanctioned tournaments must compete according to their biological sex," the announcement read. WOMEN'S SWIMMERS SPEAK OUT AFTER UNKNOWINGLY FACING TRANS COMPETITOR, FILING COMPLAINT: 'I FEEL BETRAYED' The proposed updated policy ensures that women's category "will be open exclusively to athletes of the female sex." The men's category "will be open to all other athletes who are otherwise eligible for competition." The change would go into effect across sanctioned competition levels, including Division I, IA, II, III, Junior, Cadet, Youth, Veteran and all other categories. "If adopted, this policy is solely to ensure future compliance required by oversight organizations. This policy does not reflect any change in our strong support for each individual's right to identity," the announcement read. "We recognize that many people — particularly transgender and non-binary athletes and their supporters in fencing clubs nationwide — will be profoundly impacted if this policy takes effect." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Turner is expected to be a witness in the hearing along with Payton McNabb, the former volleyball who suffered catastrophic injuries as a result of a spike from a transgender athlete. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .
Associated Press
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
CTF Life Title-Sponsored "Fencing Plus" Training Programme by Kai Tak Sports Initiative Officially Kicks Off
Nearly 800 Students Participate in the Selection to Become Future World Champions HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 May 2025 - Title-sponsored by CTF Life and organised by Kai Tak Sports Initiative (KTSI), the 'Fencing Plus' Training Programme ('Programme') officially kicked off at the Kai Tak Arena Grand Hall on 4 May 2025 and marked the inaugural participation for CTF Life‧CIRCLE members. Through the holistic and structural development framework of the Programme, it aims to discover potential fencing athletes and cultivate a new generation of sports elites in Hong Kong, promoting the 'Sports for All' culture and enhancing professionalism. Qualified apprentices will undergo a close to two-year structured training and can compete at the 'Fencing Plus' Cup. Outstanding performers in the competition will receive professional training, and a chance to participate in the Hong Kong Under-14 Cadet Pre team. They will also have the opportunity to compete in the 'Asian Youth Elite Fencing League', supported by CTF Life, sharing the stage with fencers from around the world. An Experiential Day was also held on the Kick-Off Day, where the public participated in challenges to test their fitness skills, in preparation for next year's registration for the programme. Group photo at the press conference. Joining on stage includes Denise Au-Yeung, Chief Strategy Officer of CTF Life (third from the left); Director (Strategic Planning) of Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), King-shing Tang (third from the right); Chairman of the Hong Kong Fencing Association, Wing Sun Yeung (first from the left); Head Coach of the Programme, Antonio Lam (first from the right); Celebrities Panther Chan (second from the right) and Mike Tsang (second from the left). Among the distinguished guests at the Kick-Off Ceremony to witness this significant moment were Chief Strategy Officer of CTF Life, Denise Au-Yeung; Director (Strategic Planning) of Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), King-shing Tang; Chairman of the Hong Kong Fencing Association, Wing Sun Yeung and Head Coach of the Programme, Antonio Lam. The event also invited Hong Kong fencing athletes, Moriah Man Ngai See (Sabre); Yeung Chi Ka (Foil) and Clarence Lai Ka Tsun (Epee) to demonstrate the basic techniques of the three disciplines and give guidance to the young apprentices on stage. Celebrities Panther Chan and Mike Tsang also performed songs to cheer for the young fencers and experienced fencing under the guidance of Antonio Lam. CTF Life‧CIRCLE Members join the Programme for the first time and enjoy unique experiences Man Kit Ip, Executive Director and CEO of CTF Life, said, 'Title-sponsoring the 'Fencing Plus' Training Programme by KTSI for the first time demonstrates our commitment to local sports development and offers opportunities for the next generation of athletes to shine on the international stage, creating value beyond sportsmanship. Furthermore, this edition marks the inaugural participation of CTF Life‧CIRCLE members, reflecting our dedication to delivering unique and high-quality diverse experiences for our customers.' Director (Strategic Planning) of Kai Tak Sports Park, King-shing Tang, expressed appreciation to the title sponsorship of CTF Life during his speech, 'KTSI is dedicated to advance sports for all for the Hong Kong community through sports and fitness related activities open to participants of all skill levels and ages. 'Fencing Plus' Training Programme is our major initiative, and we extend our special gratitude to CTF Life for their title sponsorship, supporting young athletes to undergo high-quality training and take part in competitions, cultivating a new generation of fencing athletes.' Over 1,000 applicants aspire to become future fencers The Programme received an enthusiastic response with over a thousand applications, including eligible children from underprivileged families whose participation was fully supported by CTF Life. The first stage of selection was held on the same day as the Kick-Off Ceremony, where about 800 successfully registered students participated in an interactive full-day test assessing their physical fitness abilities, including speed, agility and reflexes. Led by Head Coach, Antonio Lam, former Olympic Games representative of the Hong Kong Fencing Team and the Top Sabre Fencer in Hong Kong, he will guide a team of professional coaches to help apprentices build a solid foundation from the basic to the advanced levels through tailored instructions. CTF Life will also arrange a series of sports-related workshops, spanning nutrition, physiotherapy, sports journalism and commentary, to help young talent unleash their potential and achieve all-round development. As the exclusive Founding Insurance Partner of KTSP, the largest integrated sports and entertainment landmark in Hong Kong, CTF Life will continue to be in support of KTSP's pursuit in bringing international events to Hong Kong, reinforcing the city's position as the 'Events Capital of Asia'. CTF Life * CIRCLE members will have the opportunity to gain priority access to international sports and entertainment events, as well as community service initiatives organised or sponsored by the Company, and enjoy a wealth of unique experiences. Details about the 'Fencing Plus' Training Programme Stage One: 4 May, 2025 Selection Day: Select potential participants from nearly 800 children aged 6-10 for basic training Stage Two: July-August 2025 Basic Training: Comprehensive and structured basic fencing training, including postures and movements, physical fitness training, and education on fencing rules and etiquette Stage Three: October-November 2025 Advanced Training: Intensive and in-depth technical curriculum for participants who excel in the Basic Training to enhance their skills Stage Four: 27-28 December 2025 (Tentative) CTF Life 'Fencing Plus' Cup and Celebration: Put learning into practice during the competition and further experience the joy and challenges of competitive sports Stage Five Elite Training Hashtag: #CTFLife The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About CTF Life Chow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited ('CTF Life') is proud of its rich, 40-year legacy in Hong Kong. CTF Life is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CTF Services Limited ('CTFS') (Hong Kong Stock Code: 659) and one of the most well-established life insurance companies in Hong Kong. As a member of Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited, CTF Life consistently strengthens its collaboration with the diverse conglomerate of the Cheng family ('Chow Tai Fook Group' or 'the Group') to support customers and their loved ones in navigating life's journey with personalised planning solutions, lifelong protection and diverse lifestyle experiences. By leveraging the Group's robust financial strength and strategic investments across the globe, CTF Life aspires to become a leading insurance company in Asia while continuously creating value beyond insurance.
