USA Fencing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. —  As someone dedicated to inclusion and giving opportunities to people with special needs, Sara Wang (Battle Born Fencing Club) wanted to bring that passion into her favorite sport.

But instead of foils and epees, Wang turned to pool noodles.

It started when Wang’s sister joined an organization called Inclusion Fusion, based in Henderson, Nev., near Las Vegas. This group is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and giving opportunities for people with special needs to engage in many activities. 

When her sister joined Inclusion Fusion, Wang says she wanted to be a part of it, too, so she could  “share the joys of the sport with the people there.”

Taking a step back and realizing that the traditional fencing equipment could be intimidating for individuals with sensory sensitivities or physical limitations, Wang thought of using pool noodles. 

“Pool noodles are soft, lightweight, and easy to handle, making them a great tool for teaching the fundamentals of fencing while still ensuring a safe community for the participants,” she says.

It was an instant success both for Wang and for the participants at Inclusion Fusion. 

Wang hopes to expand this program beyond Las Vegas one day and to partner with organizations in other areas to make this approach to teaching fencing more accessible. 

“By collaborating with organizations outside of Vegas, the impact can grow and it could benefit a broader community of individuals with disabilities,” she says. 

With such passion for the sport, Wang’s motivation to teach comes from the positive impact she is making on those she is teaching. 

“Fencing with pool noodles not only provides physical benefits but also helps improve concentration, coordination, and self-confidence,” she says. “Knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities is the driving force behind my efforts.”

Creating an inclusive environment in fencing can be done by anyone. 

“If i can do it, you can too!” she says. 

Her advice: 

• Reach out to organizations in your area that are willing to work with you

• Create an engaging program that participants will love

• Be prepared to adapt your class to meet the needs of your students

• Remember that every person is unique, so your program will need to be flexible to accommodate different abilities

• Be ready to listen, learn, and adjust your teaching methods

• Celebrate the progress of your participants — “recognizing their achievements, no matter how small, can boost their confidence and motivation,” Wang says

Starting a program to amplify the inclusivity in fencing might be intimidating at first, but Wang says “it will completely pay off once you see the looks on your student’s faces. Seeing the happiness and empowerment as they engage in a sport that they may not have had access to before is truly the best reward you can get.”