UIPM and Absolute Fencing Gear extend partnership to 2024

The Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) has extended its partnership with Absolute Fencing Gear to 2024.

The new agreement, which covers the Paris 2024 Olympic Games cycle, serves to ensure that athletes in global and continental Modern Pentathlon competitions will continue to benefit from world-class fencing equipment and apparel.

In 2016, Absolute Fencing was awarded ‘Best Contribution’ in the UIPM Annual Awards in recognition of its contribution to the development of the sport, and entered into an agreement with UIPM covering the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games cycle.

Now the partnership has been extended for another four years, reflecting the importance of Absolute Fencing Gear – a leading global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality and affordable fencing equipment and apparel, based in New Jersey (USA) – as a valued partner.

Dr Klaus Schormann, UIPM President, said: “I am delighted to confirm that our agreement with Absolute Fencing has been extended to 2024.

“Fencing has been a cornerstone of our sport ever since it was founded by the Baron Pierre de Coubertin and introduced to the Olympic Games in Stockholm in 1912. But the evolution of this discipline as part of Modern Pentathlon has been interesting to follow.

“In 1972, UIPM became the first International Federation to introduce epee fencing for women. In 2002 a new electronic system was introduced, and since then we have embraced technology at every step of the journey.

“The Fencing Bonus Round has provided a new showcase for the discipline to all people who have been watching our sport since 2015, with a very special presentation at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

“We have come a long way with Absolute Fencing, and now we look forward to future possibilities hand in hand with a trusted partner and friend of our sporting movement.”

Gary Lu, Absolute Fencing Gear CEO, added: “Absolute Fencing is honoured to continue our partnership with UIPM, presenting our traditional world-class fencing gear as well as new, highly visual and exciting technology to further engage audiences.

“We are proud to extend our relationship to 2024 and collaborate with UIPM as we work through this challenging time for Olympic and world sports, under the leadership of President Dr Klaus Schormann and Secretary General Shiny Fang.

“Our dedication and commitment remain with UIPM as we look towards a mutually successful future.”