The five-year partnership will increase British Fencing's current level of funding by 32 per cent, providing a real impetus for medal hopes in 2012.

"Fencing in Britain is an unsung success story," said Piers Martin, chief executive of British Fencing.

"However, our constrained finances have meant agonising budget decisions over which athletes and activities we can and can't support.

"Beazley's generosity will make an enormous difference to the sport in this country.

"In the past ten years we have increased participation, doubled our membership and with a small amount of funding our top fencers have leapt up the world rankings, winning medals at both individual and team levels.

Beazley will be the principal sponsor - as well as the official insurer - of British Fencing until the end of 2015, building a lasting legacy in the sport.

The aim is to double the number of British fencers provided with the financial assistance they require to dedicate themselves to full-time professional training.


Britain's fencers are already proving their intent on the international stage, with the men's foil team earning a bronze medal at the European Championships in Leipzig in July 2010.

This was the first major international medal for the quartet comprising Laurence Halsted, Ed Jeffries, Richard Kruse and Marcus Mepstead.

Kruse also won individual bronze in the men's foil.

Beazley chief executive Andrew Horton said: "Fencing combines discipline, agility and precision – all qualities we admire at Beazley.

"It is also a sport to which we can make a meaningful contribution, both at the highest competitive level and through fencing schools throughout the country."

The investment will be split across:

• Great Britain teams (including Paralympic hopefuls) for the purposes of supporting athletes, their training, competition attendance and equipment.
• The British Fencing National Academy, which is the training base for potential Olympians, including training venue hire, equipment, and travel to international competitions.
• Increasing grassroots participation and introducing people of all ages to the sport.
• British Fencing-run events, including World Cup events, which will help build a world class events programme in Britain and develop our athletes.
• Marketing and promotion of the sport - taking it to more people, building interest and participation.