Youth Sports Programs
According to the Aspen Institute, “The number of kids playing sports keeps decreasing.” Fencing is a fun and exciting sport that is engaging to youth across the city. Many of the Foundation’s programs are at record attendance levels. One of the major goals of the program is to create sports equality across the city. In the Aspen Institute’s summary, “Children from homes in the lowest income bracket are far more likely to be physically inactive than kids from wealthier households.”
Denver Fencing Foundation is bringing fencing to Denver area schools through after-school enrichment programs, camps, field days, and other outreach events. We want to inspire athletes to compete and to keep kids active in sports programs throughout their entire lives. Many of our worthy athletes have fenced local, regional, national, and international leveled competitions!
Parafencing and Neurodivergent Programs
The Denver Fencing Foundation works to spread access to parafencing and those who identify as neurodivergent nationally and internationally. Nationally, we offer inclusive programs and classes designed to support athletes with cognitive and physical disabilities at all skill levels. Through dedicated training sessions for both youth and adults, participants can learn and compete in foil, épée, and saber.
With accessible classes, financial assistance, and competition opportunities, DFF ensures that all fencers have the resources they need to succeed. The foundation is committed to promoting inclusivity in the sport and providing a welcoming environment for athletes to grow and thrive.
Programs
Our Little Fencer program provides after-school enrichment programs and tournaments in a fun, beginner-friendly environment that promotes physical and mental skills development, sportsmanship, and a positive first experience in sports.
Our summer camps provide opportunities for youth and adults of all abilities to experience fencing in an inclusive and supportive environment. Whether someone is trying fencing for the first time or training competitively, our camps focus on skill development, confidence, and building community through sport. With our large assortment, find the camp that meets your needs.
We offer parafencing classes from beginner to elite levels whether you are interested in recreational fencing or international competition. Our adult and youth programs provide accommodations for all disabilities through adaptive coaching and in-house handmade adaptations for physical disabilities.
The Denver Fencing Foundation is expanding access to fencing in Namibia by partnering with local organizations to introduce the sport to youth and underserved communities. Through training programs and equipment donations, DFF is providing essential resources to build sustainable fencing initiatives in the region. Our efforts aim to create new opportunities for Namibian athletes to engage with fencing, fostering talent and promoting inclusivity in the sport across Africa.
Our community outreach programs provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities and underserved communities to experience fencing in an inclusive and supportive environment. Through programs including Blade Sisters, veteran programming, adaptive field days, and community partnerships, we work to remove barriers to participation and introduce more people to fencing.
Denver Fencing Foundation offers inclusive fencing programs designed to accommodate individuals on the spectrum with TBIs and cognitive disabilities, fostering a supportive and adaptive learning environment. Participants develop focus, coordination, and confidence at their own pace through modified instruction, personalized coaching, and sensory-friendly techniques. By emphasizing engagement, enjoyment, and personal growth, the program ensures that all athletes, regardless of ability, can experience the benefits of fencing.
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DFF works in partnership with the Rocky Mountain VA to provide recreational therapy through adaptive fencing for veterans. This program promotes physical activity, mental resilience, and camaraderie while introducing veterans to the unique challenges and benefits of fencing. Through instruction by fellow veterans and a supportive environment, veterans can build confidence and work on their mental health, mobility, and a renewed sense of competition and belonging.
The Denver Fencing Foundation provides scholarships support to worthy students to attend classes, camps, and other programming at the Denver Fencing Center. The Foundation works to get students to local, regional, and national competitions. Students like Hilario Esparza (Cornell University 2026) have benefited from the program.
University of Denver Pass Camps
The Denver Fencing Foundation has partnered with the University of Denver Pass Camp to offer fencing at its summer and winter programming. This camp follows the Aspen Institute Youth Sport Playbook and allows kids to sample sports and become physically literate for life.
DPS and APS Adaptive Field Day
During the school year, Denver Fencing Foundation partners with Denver Public Schools and Aurora Public Schools Adaptive Physical Education to bring fencing to students with developmental and physical disabilities. We provide both able body and parafencing equipment at these programs for their field days.