Beazley sponsors Olympics fencing body

Lloyd's insurer Beazley has entered into a five-year partnership with British Fencing, the national governing body for the Olympic sport.

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.

Over the next five years Beazley’s £1m sponsorship will increase British Fencing’s current level of funding by 32%, providing a real impetus for medal hopes in 2012.

With Beazley’s support, British Fencing is aiming to double the number of British fencers provided with the financial assistance they require to dedicate themselves to fulltime professional training.

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

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.”