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Introducing the Carla-Mae Richards Legacy Fund: Supporting the People Behind Every NAC

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A portrait of Carla-Mae Richards

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — At every North American Cup (NAC), you can see the legacy of Carla-Mae Richards at work.

As USA Fencing’s first full-time executive director, Carla-Mae transformed our sport from a volunteer-driven operation into a professionally organized, internationally respected institution.

She didn’t just shepherd the North American Cup concept — she invented it. And her impact lives on in the people behind the scenes: our Bout Committee, Armory, referees and national tournament staff who support thousands of athletes, coaches and families every season.

Carla-Mae believed that to elevate the sport, we had to elevate the experience for everyone. Consistency, integrity and care on the strip drive excellence in fencing — and they don’t happen by accident.

That's why we're proud to introduce the Carla-Mae Richards Legacy Fund.

What the Legacy Fund Supports

  • Education & Development:Training, certification and mentorship for new and advancing referees, Bout Committee members and tournament staff — including the development of online courses, exams and a tournament‑staff certification pathway.
  • Wellbeing & Event Care: A thoughtful, supportive environment at national tournaments: rest areas, quality meals and recognition of service commensurate with the labor and professionalism of our officials.
  • Sustained Excellence: Investment in the systems and standards that keep USA Fencing events running smoothly — now and into the future.

She built the system so we could fence. Now it’s our turn to support those who make fencing possible.

Ways to Support the Fund

All contributions directly support referee development and event support programming.

Leadership gifts at $50K+ may be recognized through special naming opportunities or annual honors.

Questions about how to give? Contact Meghan DeFord (m.deford@usafencing.org, 240‑274‑8363) for details and giving vehicle options.

Make an Impact

Examples of Tournament Official Development Costs

  • Developing exams, online courses and certifications for Tournament Organizers and Tournament Officials.
  • Supporting on‑site needs — technology, food and beverage, transportation — for Tournament Officials.
  • Recruiting and developing the next generation of Tournament Officials.
  • Establishing a Tournament Officials Award, similar to the Sam Cheris RC Distinguished Service Award.

Every bracket advanced, every point scored and every medal awarded is shaped by the people Carla-Mae championed. The Carla-Mae Richards Legacy Fund ensures they have the training, tools and care to deliver world‑class events for our community.