The initiative will see 12 national level coaches travel to numerous schools and sporting communities in an effort to introduce the sport to children.

Using equipment provided by the FIE, it is hoped that by teaching the participants key aspects of the sport, the interest in fencing will be considerably boosted ahead of this year's Olympic Games in the Brazilian city. 

“The aim of the FIE Fencing School programme is to promote our sport on a continent that’s not traditionally associated with fencing,” Arno Perillier Schneider, head of fencing at Rio 2016, said. 

The programme will run until the Olympic fencing test event, due to take place from April 22 to 27.

Competition will begin with the two day Rio Fencing Grand Prix, while the men’s sabre and women’s foil Team World Championships will run from April 25 to 27.

Sessions are due to last for 40 minutes at each of the schools involved, with children from the ages of five to 15 due to take part.

Tee-shirts and badges will be given to the participants, while information on nearest clubs and the rules of fencing will also be handed out.

In addition to schools, the initiative will also visit several neighbourhoods in the city, including Brazil’s biggest favela, Rocinha.

“Getting into the schools is where we can really make a difference and help create a tangible legacy for the Games,” said Mirani Fernandes, fencing services manager at Rio 2016.

Tickets to the Olympic competition will be made available to children as part of the programme, which has the tagline “Learn the Art of Fencing”.

A fencing demonstration is due to be held close to Copacabana beach from April 20 to 21, which is aimed at allowing the general public to try the sport.