What is Wheelchair fencing?

 Wheelchair fencing is a sport in which physically disabled males and females, regardless of age, can compete to the highest level of their ability. These physically disabled fencers – who are missing partial or full use of lower and/or upper limbs – are typically called Paralympic or wheelchair fencers.

There are three program levels for wheelchair fencers depending upon the nature and/or extent of their disabilities. 

• Level A – For fencers who are amputees or polio victims.
• Level B – For fencers who have spinal injuries where only the legs are affected
• Level C –For fencers who have spinal cord injuries where both arms and legs are affected.

How do Wheelchair fencers train and compete?

Wheelchair fencers train and compete in special secured wheelchairs that allow the upper body movement that paralympic or wheelchair fencing demands. The chairs are attached to heavy metal or wooden frames that adjust to the needs of particular fencers.

The chairs stay static and fencers are able to manipulate their weapons to gain points against opponents.

How long does it take to be competitive?

                In the US, wheelchair fencing is still a small sport.  At National championships there were only 5 or six athletes in many of the events.  Team events have been recently added the international world cup schedule, World Championships and Paralympics.  This means that 3 athletes are needed  to create a team and there needs to be at least one level B athlete on the team. With the small field of athletes and increased need for athletes to fill the team events, this is a great time to start wheelchair fencing and be able to move quickly to the top of the sport.

                Starting in 2006, Wheelchair and Able Body Fencing World Championships will be integrated in the same venue at the same time. (2006 – Turino, Italy 9/29 – 10/8)