From a spectator's point of view, the most striking feature of Wheelchair Fencing is the fact that athletes compete in wheelchairs that are fastened to the floor. However, these chairs allow the fencers freedom of movement in the upper body only and the activity is as fast-paced as in Fencing competitions for able-bodied. Men and women who are amputees, paraplegics or athletes with cerebral palsy are eligible to compete in individual and team events (three fencers to a team) including Foil, Épée (men and women) and Sabre (men). The official governing body is the International Wheelchair Fencing Committee (IWFC), which is part of the International Stoke Mandeville Wheelchair Sport Federation (ISMWSF). This sport was introduced at the 1960 Paralympic Games in Rome and there are 24 countries practicing Wheelchair Fencing today.

(Credit: IPC. Click here for further information.)