Parafencing Arrives in Gallatin Valley

Wheelchair fencing is one of two Paralympic combat sports, blending mental agility, speed, and tactical finesse. In 1960, the first Paralympic competition was held in Rome at the Summer Olympics. Since then, adaptive sports have become more accessible, practiced now in 34 countries. Parafencing is short for parallel fencing and it is the version of our sport for athletes of various abilities.

At Bozeman Fencing Association, all fencers are welcome and we are excited to now be able to offer parafencing, thanks to the kindness and generosity of Utah Fencing Foundation, Bill Nikolai, Jed and Sheri Jensen who provided us fencing chairs, and Eagle Mount for the generous offer to share their space.

We welcome fencers who live with conditions that affect their ability to fence on two feet who wish to simply try out chair fencing, those who are interested in a fun and different long term recreational sporting activity, and those who wish to train for competition.

Participants do not have to be full-time wheel-chair users in order to play. Many parafencers have the ability to stand and walk, but are parafencers because of medical conditions such as limb loss, difference in leg length, impaired muscle power, spinal injuries, cerebral palsy, and stroke survivor.

We offer all instruction and equipment needed to get started fencing safely. Our parafencing coach is Kai Cummings.

Thanks to a grant from USAFencing and All Kids Play and the use of space at Eagle Mount, we are able to allow all fencers to try out the first two lessons of parafencing for free.

We offer scholarships to fencers who need assistance to cover their membership fees. First two lessons are entirely free to all parafencers.

Contact Michele Carey to get started and schedule a time to try out fencing epee and saber!