Dominique Veyrac isn’t a household name, but in the world of French fencing, she’s a quietly powerful force. As President of the Bourgogne Franche-Comté League since 2018, Veyrac is at the forefront of a push to grow the sport, particularly among women. Her story isn’t one of Olympic glory on the piste, but of dedicated service, strategic leadership, and a commitment to building a stronger future for fencing in her region. This dedication to regional fencing administration is increasingly vital as France prepares to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, and as the nation strives to increase female participation in all sports.
Currently, women comprise 34.7% of licensed fencers with the Fédération Française d’Escrime (FFE), according to the FFE. Veyrac and others are working to change that, recognizing that a more inclusive sport is a stronger sport. Her journey to the presidency began not with a competitive career, but with a deep involvement at the grassroots level, demonstrating that leadership in sports takes many forms.
From Secretary to Regional President
Veyrac’s involvement with fencing began at the Cercle d’Escrime Lons-le-Saunier, a club in the Jura department. She initially served as the club’s secretary general, gaining a foundational understanding of the administrative side of the sport. This experience proved invaluable as she progressed, eventually becoming President of the Comité Départemental du Jura in 2013, a position she held until 2023. The role required navigating the complexities of local club needs, organizing competitions, and fostering a thriving fencing community within the department.
The administrative landscape shifted in 2016 with a regional reorganization in France. The merger of Bourgogne and Franche-Comté regions necessitated the creation of a new, larger regional league. Following the merger, Veyrac was chosen by the clubs to lead the newly formed Ligue d’Escrime Bourgogne Franche-Comté, a testament to the trust and respect she had earned from her peers. She is currently serving her third mandate as President, continuing to build on the foundations she established.
A Voice in the Olympic Movement
Veyrac’s commitment extends beyond regional fencing. She likewise holds a significant position within the broader Olympic movement in Bourgogne Franche-Comté. As Vice-Présidente déléguée of the Comité Régional Olympique et Sportif (CROS) Bourgogne Franche-Comté, she is responsible for public policies and high-level athletic development. The CROS Bourgogne Franche-Comté website details her responsibilities, which include advocating for the needs of athletes and promoting the values of Olympism throughout the region.
This dual role – leading the regional fencing league and contributing to the regional Olympic committee – allows Veyrac to advocate for fencing at a higher level, ensuring that the sport receives the resources and support it needs to flourish. Her involvement in the CROS also provides a platform to champion the importance of sports for youth development and community engagement.
Her work with the CROS is particularly relevant as France prepares to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. The Games are expected to generate significant interest in sports across the country, and Veyrac is positioned to capitalize on this momentum to further grow fencing in Bourgogne Franche-Comté. The region is actively involved in preparing for the Games, and Veyrac’s leadership is crucial in ensuring that fencing is well-represented.
Promoting Women in Fencing
The FFE’s initiative, “Mesdames, en garde!” – “Ladies, on guard!” – highlights the importance of female leadership and participation in fencing. Veyrac’s own career trajectory embodies this spirit. While statistics show progress, with nearly 35% of FFE licensees being women, there’s still work to be done to achieve full gender parity. Veyrac’s leadership is instrumental in creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for women in all aspects of the sport – as athletes, coaches, referees, and administrators.
The challenges are multifaceted, ranging from addressing societal stereotypes to providing equal opportunities for training and competition. Veyrac’s approach focuses on fostering a supportive community, promoting role models, and advocating for policies that encourage female participation. She understands that increasing female representation requires a long-term commitment and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
The Ligue d’Escrime Bourgogne Franche-Comté, under Veyrac’s guidance, is actively implementing programs to attract and retain female fencers. These initiatives include targeted outreach to schools, mentorship programs, and the development of female coaching pathways. The league is also working to raise the visibility of female fencers and celebrate their achievements.
As the region looks ahead to the Paris 2024 Games, Dominique Veyrac’s leadership will be critical in ensuring that fencing continues to thrive. The next step for the league is to finalize its plans for hosting Olympic preparation events and to continue its efforts to increase female participation at all levels. We invite you to share your thoughts on the growth of fencing and the importance of female leadership in sports in the comments below.
Related reading
