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European Fencing Championships: Genoa’s Success

Exceptional results for Liguria 2025’s most important event, European Region of Sport…

Genoa hosts a European Championship distinguished not only by Italy’s successes but also by record-breaking numbers that confirmed the event’s triumph and that of the Organizing Committee chaired by Beppe Costa, with the invaluable work of Ligurian fencing head Giovanni Falcini and all team members who built this exciting project over four years.

Nearly 50 hours of live TV coverage for a record European Championship, broadcast in 10 European countries and shared worldwide through International Federation channels. Total Italian viewership alone reached about 1 million. Media coverage spanned all traditional and digital platforms, specialized and generalist networks, ensuring a fencing legacy while giving Genoa and Liguria extraordinary visibility. Just Federscherma’s channels alone reached 1.7M Facebook views and 1.5M on Instagram one day post-event.

Milano Cortina 2026 mascots brought Olympic magic to Italy’s most medaled Olympic sport. This “Olympic pact” was celebrated through the Olympic Torch exhibition at Jean Nouvel and Italia Team activations that launched the countdown to LA 2028 from Genoa. Among 100+ accredited journalists, Olympics.com (IOC’s official site) covered the event looking ahead to the 2028 Games.

The two venues (Jean Nouvel and Palasport) welcomed 10,000+ people over 6 days. 7,000+ hotel nights were booked just for athletes/staff/officials across 15 Convention Bureau-selected hotels, excluding families’ accommodations.

The Championships were both a magnificent showcase for Genoa/Liguria (European Region of Sport 2025) and a valuable fencing investment: 1,000+ youth tried fencing on Jean Nouvel’s pistes with 40 Ligurian maestros, while fencing village exhibitions (“From History to Fencing” and “Olympic Torches’ Magic”) drew 5,000+ visitors.

The numbers speak volumes: 25,000 sqm prepared across venues (20,000+ sqm carpeting), 45 delegation “houses” at Jean Nouvel, 250 volunteers, 10 involved schools, 20,000+ liters of sustainably distributed water (thanks to Iren’s “big fountain” and OC-provided bottles).

40 sponsors and 50+ (mostly local) suppliers supported the event. A Ministry of Sport stand promoted Youth Card and Sport e Salute initiatives.

Genoa simultaneously hosted the European Fencing Confederation Congress with 45 national presidents. Genoese Federico Surano (Competitions Commission) and Maurizio Annitto (Auditor) were re-elected, joining other Italian representatives in EFC bodies.

The road to Genova 2025 featured countless events: fencing demonstrations in Genoa, Chiavari, Portofino involving Liguria’s 12 clubs, plus appearances at Milan BIT Tourism Fair, Euroflora, and Sport Festival with ambassador Valentina Vezzali.

Beyond numbers, the true success came from athletes’, coaches’ and officials’ unanimous praise for Genoa and the Organizing Committee that worked alongside FIS with passion to overcome all challenges inherent to such major events.

STATEMENTS

Pascal Tesch, European Fencing Confederation President:
“My deepest gratitude for this unforgettable event. Italy’s 11-medal haul (2G+2S+7B) proves fencing’s status here. This wouldn’t exist without FIS and President Mazzone’s support – our first Europeans as Presidents. Special thanks to Organizing Committee President Giuseppe Costa whose vision made this reality. Like good fencing, the OC perfectly parried unexpected heatwaves. To all volunteers: your warmth (the good kind!) made the difference. We celebrated victories plus unity, sportsmanship and excellence. Grazie Genoa!”

Giorgio Scarso, FIS & EFC Past President:
“Since 1980, I’ve never seen such flawless organization. Genoa hosted Europe’s best Championships in 40 years.”

Luigi Mazzone, Italian Fencing Federation President:
“Genoa delivered a memorable edition with universal praise. Unprecedented media attention matched our athletes’ performances – already equaling Basel 2024’s medals with chances to improve. All weapons medaled, six debutants earned medals (Galassi got two at U20!), while sabre showed extraordinary progress alongside foil and épée confirmations. A perfect start to the LA2028 cycle. Grazie Genoa and Liguria for this teamwork masterpiece.”

Beppe Costa, Genoa 2025 OC President:
“This demanding journey gifted Liguria an extraordinary event thanks to clubs, institutions, schools and sponsors. We promoted fencing across squares, introduced it to thousands of youths, and offered delegations unforgettable hospitality alongside Italy’s medal joy.”

Giovanni Falcini, Ligurian Fencing Committee President:
“Since March 2021, we dreamed of bringing big fencing back to Liguria after 1992. The 2022 Antalya bid win started this intense journey. Despite challenges, we’ve given Liguria a unique global showcase while growing youth fencing.”

Enrico De Marchi, FIS Ethics Committee President:
“Genoa excelled organizationally and ethically. The Fair Play Award to Hungary’s Siklosi sent a powerful message: ethics come first, even at highest levels.”

Valentina Vezzali, FIS Ambassador:
“A spectacular edition! The opening ceremony dazzled internationally. Having a ‘museum’ within the competition proves sport is culture too. These Europeans were Liguria’s magnificent postcard – Genoa is breathtaking. Impeccable organization.”

PARTNERSHIP
Held in Liguria (European Region of Sport 2025) with European Commission, Italian Sports Ministry, Liguria Region and Genoa Municipality support. Under EFC auspices with CONI/Sport e Salute patronage. Key partners: Costa Edutainment, Banca Passadore, Silomar, PSA Italy, Saar Depositi Portuali, Toyota, Gruppo Spinelli, Elah, Riberti, Iveco Bus, Columbus Informatica, Ishi, Mapslate, Montallegro, Covim, Lete, Noberasco, Controfluid, Homberger, Mediapoint, San Giorgio Sein, Blutec, La Sassellese, Giobas, Preti, Filigraf, Basilico Genovese DOP, Olio DOP Riviera Ligure, Sericart, Unicart. Media partners: RAI, Sky Sport, Italpress, Il Secolo XIX, Mentelocale, Netweek.