The Sheffield Open fencing tournament is a '6 weapon' fencing competition. It is held at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, which is a large multisport venue and is the venue for the British Championships, British Youth Championships, Winton Cup and the 2011 European Senior Fencing Championships.
The 2011 Sheffield Open is not taking place due to the European Championships
On the 8th June, the launch event for the European Senior Fencing Championships took place at Meadowhall shopping centre which is less than 1 mile away from the English Institute of Sport, where the European Championships will take place between the 13th and 19th July 2011. TeamGB fencers Richard Kruse and Lawrence Halstead together with Simon Wilson GBR's top wheelchair fencer lead the charge with come and try sessions for the public. Coaches from local clubs, Sheffield Sword Club, and Wingerworth Fencing Club also coached around 100 people throughout the day.
The European's are going to be the best opportunity for British fencers to see many of the worlds top fencers ahead of the Olympics in an up close and personal way. Tickets are currently available from the Box Office, and British Fencing members get FREE access to the Qualifying Stages, and a discount for the Finals!