Always on
This project successfully funded on 25th April 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
SwordSeats at the Heart of Devon
Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
Aim
Teaming up to fundraise for a SwordSeat - an exciting accessible Fencing innovation.
Who are we?
Heart of Devon Swords is a community fencing club. I'm Jason Ball, a British Fencing registered coach. That's me, dressed in black.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We aim to offer seated fencing so the club is more accessible. This will help people with injuries or mobility issues to enjoy Fencing with any other fencer.
British Fencing launched the SwordSeat™ - and suddenly seated fencing with proper kit feels attainable. This is a flat-pack seat system that is easy to transport and suitable for a wide range of fencers - whether they have mobility problems or not, fencers can train together on an 'equal' basis.
How we’ll spend the money raised
We are fundraising for a SwordSeat™ set plus essential extras for safety and comfort - that's a £600 base target. Plus a pair of covers for Epee fencers, costing at least £500 more. (Made of a conductive lame fabric, to cleverly make sure the fencers don't accidentally score a point for hitting the chair!)
We teamed up with Devon County Fencing Union (DCFU) so all donations go direct to their bank account, which means every penny raised goes into the sport!
Budget breakdown
Estimates and prices direct from suppliers.
- SwordSeats £400. Qty:1 = £400
- Ratchet Straps £10. Qty:3 = £30
- Grip tape £10.
- Gaffer cloth tape £15
- Dense cushions £18. Qty:2 = £36
- Leg straps for fencer £25. Qty:2 = £50
- 10m connecting cable (wheelchair to recorder) £35. Qty:2 = £70
- Full inox conductive cover (Epee only) £250. Qty:2 = £500
- Postage: fencing kit order £15.
Total £1,125.
Community impact
We want a much wider range of people to experience the health and wellbeing benefits of this fast-action sport. The Paris 2024 Paralympics were a glorious spectacle - boosting accessibility will help us to respond to that inspiration. Could those who dream of the Paralympics start their journey in Devon?
Ways you can help
There are four simple ways to help Heart of Devon Swords and the DCFU make this project a reality. Remember, even if we overshoot the funding targets, it's all going to boost accessibility in Devon's Fencing scene.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay - momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on social media pages and get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Come and play. Do you know somebody who'd love to try seated swordplay? Can you help us connect with people who would benefit from seated fencing?
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made