Inclusion

NSW Fencing values diversity as a strength of the sport and the sporting community and aims for continuous improvement in inclusion. 

Vitamin C – Connection Corner, supporting female fencers

At the Junior State Championships and President's Cup tournament on 2–3 November 2024, NSW Fencing launched a new initiative to encourage and support the participation and visibility of female fencers. The ”Vitamin C – Connection Corner“ is an inviting lounge area designed exclusively for female competition participants to recharge and connect. Stocked with fresh juices and vitamin-packed fruits, the space provides a nourishing environment that promotes both physical well-being and mental resilience. 

Beyond refreshment, it fosters a unique opportunity for athletes to engage in meaningful conversations, exchange stories, and build a supportive network among women and girls in the sport, regardless of their experience or performance level. The lounge encourages empowerment through community, creating a safe space where female competitors can inspire each other before the competition and during breaks, share experiences, and reinforce their commitment to the sport—ultimately building camaraderie and confidence alongside physical strength. 

The female fencers enjoyed the Vitamin C corner at the launch, and we’ll be continuing it at every tournament. We invite any female fencers who are interested in contributing to the evolution of Vitamin C to please email andi.petschner@nswfencing.org.au

Pride in Sport, supporting LGBTQIA+ inclusion

In 2024, NSW Fencing joined Pride in Sport to access support to build LGBTQIA+ inclusion in fencing. This membership makes available a range of resources including:

• training and education to build knowledge and capacity
• networking opportunities to connect with other sports to share ideas, initiatives and good practice
• research to inform approaches and decisions
• support for policy development

LGBTQIA+ people are underrepresented in sport, meaning that they miss out on all the benefits, opportunities, and enjoyment that participation offers, and our sport misses out on the strength that diversity brings. We are working with our Pride in Sport relationship manager to engage with research and events to inform areas to prioritise for inclusion initiatives. As a first step, NSW Fencing acknowledged several LGBTQIA+ days of significance via posts on social media, and attended the Pride in Sport Summit to connect with the latest research, government strategy, and best practice, and to learn from what other sports are doing in this space.