USA Fencing

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – USA Fencing was named the first-ever recipient of the Advancing Diversity and Inclusion Award during the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Assembly in Colorado Springs.

The Advancing Diversity and Inclusion Award recognizes the National Governing Body with the highest annual growth percentage of underrepresented individuals based on diversity data for women and racial and ethnic minorities.

USA Fencing led all 47 National Governing Bodies with a 6 percent increase in membership for women and racial and ethnic minorities based on data from 2013-14.

“Receiving this award on behalf of USA Fencing was a great honor. The diversity of fencing is shown not only in our membership as a whole, but also across our National Team members, board of directors, and committees,” said USA Fencing Executive Director Kris Ekeren (Littleton, Colo.) “Thank you to USA Fencing’s clubs and volunteers for being so instrumental in growing our sport and helping increase the diversity of fencing in America while also providing a welcoming environment to athletes at all levels and from all backgrounds.”