Aldermans comes to the rescue of aspiring young fencer
Plymouth fencer Tia Simms-Lymn was given a last-minute boost from Aldermans to help her compete in an international championship. We provided the final £200 sponsorship needed for Tia to compete at the Pan-American Fencing Championships in Guatemala on the 22nd-27th February.
Plymouth fencer Tia Simms-Lymn was given a last-minute boost from Aldermans to help her compete in an international championship. We provided the final £200 sponsorship needed for Tia to compete at the Pan-American Fencing Championships in Guatemala on the 22nd-27th February.
14-year-old Tia has been competing at fencing since she was just six years old. Representing Jamaica, in recognition of her mother’s family heritage, she has won countless championships and now has her eyes firmly fixed on the 2020 Olympics. “Young fencers have to travel internationally to compete,” explained Tia’s mother, Rosemarie. “It’s the only way to improve their world ranking and their chances of international success.” However, the costs of equipment, protective clothing and international travel can run to thousands of pounds per year. “Fencing is an expensive sport and without sponsorship from people like Aldermans Tia couldn’t compete, it’s that simple,” her father, Andy, continued. “We are immensely grateful for Aldermans’ support. We’re sure Tia will go from strength to strength and make us, and Plymouth, very proud in the years to come.”
Tia took part in both the cadet (under 17) and Junior (under 20) classes. In the cadet class, she finished 11th out of 34. She also finished 11th in the Junior championship – the first time she had competed in this class – and the results contributed to her Junior world ranking of 106 (out of 515). With a 20-hour-a-week training schedule, Tia still has to find time for schoolwork. She attends Plymouth College, where she is coached by the Director of Modern Pentathlon, Andy Hill. The College is experienced in helping elite young athletes, including Olympic stars Tom Daly and Ruta Meilutyte, combine sport and study.
Aldermans Managing Director, Karen Friendship, commented: “Aldermans has been part of the Plymouth community for the last 45 years, and we were pleased to be able to help Tia with the last-minute support she needed. As a family-run business we love seeing people grow and develop their potential; and we’re sure with Tia’s commitment she’ll achieve her ambitions.” The next step for Tia is an Under 15s competition in Poland on 27th March, followed by the World Championships in Bulgaria in the first week of April.