Welcome of the President of the Organizing Committee

Maîtres, Fencers, Ladies and Gentlemen,

A heartfelt and enthusiastic welcome to each and every one of you as you embark on this remarkable journey to the Zonal Qualification Event in Fencing here in the picturesque city of Differdange, Luxembourg! It is truly a joy and privilege to extend our warm hospitality to fencers who have earned the opportunity to compete for a place in the illustrious Grand Palais, home of the Paris 2024 Olympics in Fencing.

Nestled in the heart of the Haute Chiers valley, Differdange warmly embraces athletes from across Europe, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere for this pivotal zonal qualification event. Your unwavering dedication, exceptional skill, and profound passion for fencing have brought you to this significant moment, and we feel deeply honored to host you in our beautiful city. It is noteworthy that Differdange holds a special place in my heart, as it was the venue of my first international competition many years ago.

As you dive into the intensity of the competitions, remember that beyond the pursuit of individual triumphs, you are also contributing to the rich tapestry of global fencing. May this event be characterized by the principles of fair play, camaraderie, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Beyond the fencing bouts, we encourage you to explore the captivating charm of Differdange, affectionately known as "Steeltown", with its unique industrial history and scenic surroundings. The resonance of blades clashing finds a fitting home in a town that earned its fame through steel production.

I am delighted to share that the tournament is anchored within the European School here in Differdange. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Minister for accepting this extraordinary challenge, the director for his exceptional out-of-the-box thinking, and my entire team for transforming this event into a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

A special expression of gratitude goes out to our esteemed sponsors and partners, whose invaluable contributions from the financial backbone that enables us to ignite the flames of this extraordinary event. Your support is the key catalyst that transforms our aspirations into reality, and we deeply appreciate your commitment to making this fencing tournament an outstanding success.

We are genuinely excited to welcome each one of you, and we trust that your time here will be filled with unforgettable experiences both on and off the fencing strip.

To every fencer, coach, and supporter, may this event serve as a stepping stone toward the realization of your Olympic dreams. Wishing the best of luck to all participants, and may the thrill of the competition resonate within the walls of EIDE as we witness the forging of paths toward Paris 2024.

Welcome to the Zonal Qualification Event in Fencing

– let the bouts begin!

Let's make it happen!

Pascal Tesch

President of the Organizing Committee