IWAS Wheelchair Fencing Executive Committee Member (2013-2016), Hilary Philbin awarded MBE

Having a birthday on New Years Eve always calls for a double celebration, but for past IWAS Wheelchair Fencing Executive Committee Member, Hilary Philbin, 2016 ended with an extra surprise and a triple celebration! The British Fencing President had been awarded an MBE for services to Fencing and Sports Administration on the Queen’s New Year 2017 Honours List. 

"I was delighted to receive this notification out of the blue. I feel honoured to be personally recognised, but am also pleased from the point of view of our sport." Hilary said. 

A Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) is awarded by HM Queen Elizabeth, for an outstanding achievement or service to the community and to individuals who have made a long-term, significant impact on others.

Following her position as Wheelchair Fencing Manager at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Hilary began her term on the IWAS Wheelchair Fencing Executive Committee in 2013 working to promote wheelchair fencing worldwide. Most recently, Hilary held the position of Assistant Technical Delegate at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Hilary finally stepped down from the IWAS Wheelchair Fencing Executive Committee in September 2016 following years of enthusiatic and passionate involvement.

"Fencing, like many other sports, can only survive through the commitment of an army of volunteers who, through their enthusiasm for their sport, give their time so generously.  One satisfying result of this is the friendships that are made within this group of dedicated people.  With a husband and father also immersed in the world of fencing (both of them Olympic fencers and international referees), as well as most of my lifelong friends, perhaps it’s just as well that I enjoy life as a fencing volunteer.  Long may it continue!”

On behalf of the IWAS Executive Board and staff, we would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to Hilary Philbin MBE on receiving this prestigious award.