USA Fencing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The 2022-2023 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Awards recognized four fencing organizations striving to make a difference in their community. This year the Leszek “Maestro” Stawicki Parafencing Athlete Development Award was earned by the Denver Fencing Center.

Shannon Jolly, USA Fencing’s Senior Manager for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging shared, “Congratulations to Denver Fencing Center! We are thrilled to see the awesome work being done to grow the sport of fencing.  As we continue to grow parafencing, it is our hope that Denver Fencing Center can serve as a model for other clubs to implement parafencing.  ”

This award was developed in recognition of Maestro Les Stawicki and his commitment to advancing the sport of parafencing. Stawicki has had a successful career serving as former Head Coach of the Ukrainian Saber Team and served as the Head Coach of the Polish National and Olympic Teams from 1972-1990.

In 1992, Stawicki established the Louisville Fencing Center and was very instrumental in developing and growing the parafencing program. He served as head coach for the U.S. Parafencing team at every Paralympic Games since the team's creation in 1996. 

It is the hope of USA Fencing that this award inspires fencing clubs to develop or engage fencers in safe and inclusive environments that are wheelchair accessible. In the spirit of supporting the growth of parafencing, while clubs may be limited with their facilities, we encourage clubs to expose and engage individuals with disabilities in your local communities to the sport of fencing. 

"Denver Fencing Center is incredibly honored to be part of USA Fencing and Team USA's growth of parafencing. We're excited to continue our development of an elite training ground for future members of Team USA in preparation for the LA 2028 games,” says John Clayman, Gym Manager of Denver Fencing Center.

Denver Fencing Center has been able to recruit new members through their demonstrations, website, activities, and multiple other methods. They have built a reputation as one of the premier places for parafencing in Denver. 

The program that Denver Fencing Center has established is engaging to disabled people because they can be part of a gym that suits their needs. They not only have all of their coaches now able to coach parafencing, but nearly all of their able body members fence with parafencers on their strip. They are now looking to find young leaders with their 15 year long outreach to Colorado Wheelchair Sports Camp using teenage fencers. In this program, teen fencers will teach parafencing at the camp.

Denver Fencing Center is engaging fencers in safe and inclusive environments that are accessible. They are continuing to build upon Leszek “Maestro” Stawicki legacy that has paved an incredible road for parafencing.