Guillaume Gillet: “A Competition Young Fencers Never Forget”

The president of the Lyon Metropolitan Fencing Committee reflects on the impact of the Challenge Aramis and the deeper reasons that led him to support its continued development.

A Benchmark Event

In the Lyon region, the Challenge Aramis has become an unmissable event. For Guillaume Gillet, its president, the competition embodies everything that makes fencing so inspiring:

“It is a nationally recognized competition that attracts teams from all over France. As preparation for the Fête des Jeunes, it also helps identify future talents.”

By also welcoming international teams, the Lyon Metropole positions itself as a territory of openness, where young M15 athletes discover a variety of fencing styles and the richness of sporting exchange.

A Logistical Challenge Met With Passion

Behind its success lies a true collective challenge.

“The lack of volunteers always makes things harder. A committee does not have the internal structure of a club, and mobilizing people over time is not easy,” explains Guillaume Gillet, fully aware of the human and material constraints.

He also notes that federal support remains somewhat limited, even though the event is part of the talent-identification agreement signed with the French Fencing Federation.

Still, the loyalty of the clubs and the enthusiasm of the young athletes more than compensate for the difficulties:

“Fencers in this age category do not have many team competitions. They love this format, invest themselves completely in it, and keep vivid memories of the experience.”

A Driving Force for Lyon’s Youth

For the committee, the Challenge Aramis plays a decisive role:

“Our young fencers love this event; they look forward to it every year. It highlights our expertise and offers them their first encounter with national and international competition.”

Beyond performance, it is a school of teamwork and self-improvement. Each edition becomes a rallying moment for clubs across the region, a time when bonds strengthen and the fundamental values of fencing are passed on: respect, discipline, and humility.

Shared Values

True to its identity, the Lyon Metropolitan Committee grounds its work in modernity and inclusion.

“One of our major goals is to increase female participation. The Challenge Aramis is a perfect example — it illustrates exactly what we want to encourage.”

This commitment aligns with the ambitions of Aramis & Cie: turning each encounter into an experience that is athletic, human, and inspiring.

Looking Ahead and a Message for the Future

While grateful for the strong support of local authorities, Guillaume Gillet remains clear-eyed about the areas that still need development:

“What’s missing is a real partnership with the private sector. It’s not easy, but it’s an area we must strengthen to secure the long-term stability of this type of event.”

To those hesitant to embark on a similar project, he offers a simple message:

“It may seem complicated, but the format is well-designed. It guarantees a high-quality event that young fencers truly enjoy. Even though fencing is an individual sport, they love coming together in this team-based dynamic.”

And finally, a sentence that captures the spirit of the entire project:

“A competition young fencers never forget… they all dream of winning it!”»