BVF was founded by British fencer, Henry de Silva, who wanted to provide opportunities for fencers over 40 to continue fencing competitively as long as they wished. From this idea, the veteran movement was born.
From humble beginnings with Henry taking coach loads of veteran fencers to various countries to fence their peers, the movement spread and now the FIE hold a Veterans World Championships and there are veteran organisations holding competitions both domestic and international throughout the world.
