Africa Parafencing Initiative
In May 2023, a group called Bidii Yetu embarked on a remarkable journey, handcycling across five countries in southern Africa. Among them was DFF member Jataya Taylor. Before the trip, Bidii Yetu was contacted by a representative from Namibia who expressed interest in wheelchair fencing after discovering Jataya's involvement in the sport. In response, the Denver Fencing Center and Denver Fencing Foundation gathered fencing gear, which Jataya and Bidii Yetu delivered to Namibia.
While in Windhoek, the group was invited to meet with the Namibia Association of Wheelchair Users (NAWCU) and to conduct a fencing demonstration. Unbeknownst to anyone at the time, the demonstration ignited a passion in one of the attendees, planting the seed for the creation of the Namibia Wheelchair Fencing Club.
Namibia Wheelchair Fencing Club
The Africa Parafencing Initiative is gaining momentum, with its first major step in collaboration with the Namibian Paralympic program and enthusiastic participants from the original visit and demonstration. Leading the charge, the Namibia Wheelchair Fencing Club is passionately driving the program forward, ensuring it flourishes and expands across the region.
Meet the Members
Read USA Fencing’s article about Jataya’s Africa journey.