Olympic Ambitions

Aim

To be able to represent Great Britain in the forthcoming European Cadet (U17s) Fencing Competitions this year

My name is Dylan Ballard, aged 16, and I am attempting to be the first Britain to win a Gold medal at the Olympic Games at Epee.

My current British ranking last year was 44th but I recently finished joint 3rd at the UK Cadet Championships after taking up Epee just less than 2 years ago.

Last year I finished as Wales No.1 in the U15s.

The top 15 Cadets in the UK get the opportunity to represent GBR abroad at European competitions where ranking points are much greater than UK competitions.

Most of my peers compete for highly prestigious grammar or public schools but I go to the local comprehensive school so have far less opportunity to fence regularly than most as my school doesn't have a fencing team.

Wilkinson Sword, the main sponsor of British Fencing have recognised my ability and have generously assisted me with the purchasing of some new kit as my profile suits their aim of widening the appeal of a sport that many view as elitist.

To achieve my goal, I need to be able to attend the next 4 European competitions that are in Klagenfurt, Espoo, Grenoble & Copenhagen, which are going to cost arond £1000 per competition for travelling and accomodation.

My parents recently paid for me to attend a training camp in Jesi, Italy with Olympic Fencer, Enrico Garozzo but have now run out of funds to ensure I can compete in these upcoming competitions.

I would genuinely appreciate any contribution to help me represent both Wales at the Commonwealth and Great Britain at future Olympic Games.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Dylan Ballard

This project successfully funded on 4th September 2017