Parafencing
Denver Fencing Foundation’s Parafencing Program provides youth and adults with disabilities the opportunity to learn, train, and compete in wheelchair fencing. From athletes looking for a fun recreational experience to Paralympic hopefuls, our program creates an inclusive space for people of all experience levels.
In 2020, DFF partnered with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee to create a dedicated parafencing training space inside the Denver Fencing Center. Since then, the program has grown into one of the leading parafencing programs in the United States, supporting recreational, national, and international athletes.
The United States has won only three Paralympic medals in wheelchair fencing history. DFF is working to change that by removing barriers to participation through scholarships, equipment support, coaching, and accessible programming for athletes with disabilities.
Today, our parafencing program includes youth and adult classes, outreach events, beginner opportunities, recreational fencing, and competitive training pathways for athletes of all abilities.
Parafencing Explained
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Denver Fencing Center Class Information
Parafencing (short for “parallel fencing”) is the competitive version of our sport for athletes of various abilities.
Athletes living with conditions that impact their ability to fence on two feet are invited to try parafencing. Participants do not have to be full-time wheelchair users to participate! Many Parafencers can stand and walk, but participate in Parafencing due to other medical conditions, such as limb loss, difference in leg length, impaired muscle power, spinal injuries, cerebral palsy, and stroke survivors.
Denver Fencing Center offers instruction in all three weapons. We welcome current athletes and complete beginners! Our Parafencing program coach is Jataya Taylor, a Paralympic fencer.
Check out our videos ahead of time so you know what to expect. Watch our roll through tour of the facility and an explanation about the fencing chairs.
YOUR FIRST WEEK IS FREE!!!
Adult Classes
All equipment is provided for beginners.
Tuesdays: 6:00-7:00 pm Foil
Wednesdays: 6:00-7:00 pm Epee
Thursdays 6:00-7:00 pm Sabre
Youth Classes
All equipment is provided
Thursdays: 4:00-5:00 pm All levels class
(Ages 7-13)
Parafencing at Denver Fencing Center
Recreational: Not everyone wants to compete, and that's okay. We support fencers of all skill levels, whether you attend weekly practices or drop in every few weeks. You are always welcome.
Competitive: Whether your goal is to compete locally, nationally, internationally, or at the Paralympic Games, we provide the coaching, training, and support to help you reach the next level. Our coaches work with athletes at every stage to help them achieve their individual goals.
Camps & Open Fencing: In addition to our regular classes, the Foundation sponsors a Free Summer Camp annually and The Fencing Center supports open fencing opportunities. Open fencing is available after each class for that class’s weapon and on Friday mornings, giving fencers extra time to practice, train, and fence with others.
Scholarships & Equipment Support: We believe cost should never be a barrier to participation. Scholarships are available for those with financial need, and we provide adaptive equipment, loaner gear, and other support to help athletes participate and compete.
Team Photos
(Left to Right) Jillian Kosanovich, Terre Engdahl, Coach Haley Ward, Scott Rodgers PLY, James Downing, Jataya Taylor and Kahara (Service Dog).
Jataya Taylor and Jillian Kosanovich dueling the finals of 2022 North American Cup in Minneapolis in Women’s Epee. Jillian won 15-14! These DFF supported fencers made the finals in both foil and epee. Photo Credit: Serge Timacheff/2022
(Left to Right) Coach Haley Ward, Scott Rodgers PLY, and Jataya Taylor. At the 2023 Terni, Italy World Championships.
2024 Parafencing Nationals Salt Lace City.
(Left to Right)
Top Row: Scott Rodgers PLY, James Downing, Frank Cane, Coach Haley Ward, Head Coach DFC Nathan Anderson
Bottom Row: Jillian Kosanovich, Terre Engdahl, Jataya Taylor, and Sam Long.
Paris 2024 Paralympics.
(Left to Right) Joe Guida, Coach Haley Guida, Jataya Taylor PLY, Head Coach DFC Nathan Anderson, and Parents Kevin and Laura Taylor .