En Garde to Lagos: Fund My Commonwealth Journey

Hi, I’m Ruqaya. This August I’ll represent South Africa in foil fencing at the 2026 Commonwealth Championships in Lagos.

I started fencing in high school through an outreach program. While other kids went home, I stayed for training after school, often into the night. I was the only one from that group who stuck with it.

It was financially tough, but I kept showing up. That grind got me onto the national team.

Now I need help to actually get to the competition. There is limited funding for fencing in SA, so I’m self-funding everything.

My goal is R53,000 for flights with equipment, accommodation, entry fees, and mandatory FIE-approved gear.

As a coloured, Muslim woman in a Eurocentric sport, this is about more than me. It’s about proving what South African athletes can do with a fair strip to fight on.

Donate R100 or R1,000. Can’t donate? Share this link.  

Thank you for backing my dream.