The Italian Fencing Industry lands in Singapore alongside investments and a partnership focused on the Future of Fencing in Asia.
FPA Group, holder of commercial brands Carmimari and ONTC, has joined forces with the Fencing Federation in Singapore announcing a five-year unprecedented partnership dedicated to promoting the Olympic Discipline in the country and creating the world’s first “Wimbledon of Fencing.”
Milan, Singapore, 21st of October 2022 – At the OCBC Arena, the major setting of the Grand Prix Satellite of Singapore, the made in Italy fencing gear manufacturers, ONTC and Carmimari, and the Fencing Federation of Singapore have signed an outstanding five-year partnership, with the joint goal of developing fencing within and outside the borders of the country. Representing the parties were Francesco Rossi, CEO of the FPA Group, and David C.Y. Chen, Secretary General of Fencing Singapore.
Among other cardinal individuals, the event was also attended by the Italian Ambassador Mario Vattani and the President of the Singapore Parliament Chuan-Jin Tan.
The two parties ultimately aim to create in the long run a “Wimbledon of fencing,” an objective that finds its roots within the support of the worldwide fencing discipline – traditionally an Italian stronghold – throughout Asia. In the short term, Singapore’s interest is characterized by the building of a solid program that will raise the country’s ranking within the international spectrum of fencing, while FPA’s is that of strategically expanding its presence within foreign markets.
FPA Group will be providing the national program of the Federation of Singapore high–quality fencing gear designed and produced by Carmimari and ONTC which will be directed toward all athletes ranging from the Under 17 to the Senior representative of the National Team. Two hundred thousand dollars worth of resources will be allocated toward the development of promotional events planned on behalf of the two parties.
“It’s an important and ambitious testing ground for the future of Fencing,” says Francesco Rossi, CEO of FPA Group.“It is an honor for us to be working with a committed Federation which aims to be a hub of excellence for Sports worldwide. It is necessary to generate new ideas within the fencing world in order for it to become the next Sport sensation with high global media visibility. This is an opportunity that we intend to expand upon the whole market, starting from a fundamental hub such as that of Singapore.”
This approach will bring an immediate benefit to the whole movement, “In fact, fencing has an incredibly developed professional sector,” continues Rossi “But it however fails to effectively convey its values nor its incredible athletic gestures to a potentially wider audience that is in search of something new. We think it is our obligation as fencers to act more boldly, and partake in effective collaborations with Fencing Federations that aim to bring about constructive change.”
Fencing Singapore
Fencing Singapore, the city-state’s Fencing Federation, was founded in 1965 as the “Amateur Fencing Association of Singapore.”
The community is home to over 5000 fencers who actively participate in most international competitions. Fencing Singapore promotes the sport of fencing through the organization of tournaments and events specifically addressed to the younger generation. The Federation’s mission is to raise the profile of fencing in Singapore and bring Olympic success to the country.
FPA Group – Argumented Commerce SRL
Argumented Commerce SRL was founded in 2012 in Italy (the country home to the largest amount of Fencing victories) along with the commercial name “ONTC” to extend access to Fencing for all, by exponentially reducing the price of equipment. Subsequently, in 2018, it acquired Carmimari, the brand inventor of the electric foil – the base signaling system used in modern fencing nowadays. Carmimari also sponsors some of the most renowned names in Olympic History. In 2021, the Group re-branded into “FPA Group” with the introduction of its third brand – FPA – aimed at promoting and managing the branded image of fencing to new audiences.