Diversity and inclusion are among the core pillars on which the FIE Strategic Plan is built, and fencing is increasingly showcasing its potential as a tool to remove social barriers, promote tolerance, mutual understanding, facilitate rehabilitation and foster inclusion in a safe environment as basics for a healthy society.
After the Pink ribbon gathering, hosted in Udine, focusing on women recovering from breast cancer surgery, another thrilling appointment is on its way: Fencing for All, promoting inclusion on autist in Rome, on the 27th of March. fostering the integration of people affected by autism spectrum disorder into the fencing community.
Another challenge to cope with, another match to win.
The FIE decided with great enthusiasm and no hesitation to endorse such a meaningful initiative, that advances inclusivity in the global fencing family and to become an active partner in promoting and supporting it concretely.
The event, is designed to provide a high-level platform to raise general awareness on autism. Realizing the difficulties encountered from all the parties involved and illustrating how fencing can provide opportunities, strategies, techniques and tools – to overcome all the obstacles and pursue a full and healthy inclusion of all the members of a system.
“As FIE Secretary General, I am truly honored, that FIE to support this project and help ensure that our federation promotes and encourages it worldwide. It reflects what fencing should stand for — openness, opportunity, and inclusion for everyone, including people with different abilities. I sincerely believe this initiative will raise awareness, inspire participation, and help move fencing forward as a truly accessible sport where everyone can find their place. I invite everyone to join us in making this vision a reality.”.
The initiative was conceived and led by the President of the Italian Fencing Federation, Luigi Mazzone (who is equally Chief of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit at Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital in Rome), who had introduced the topic during the “Fencing for the Planet Round Table” in Tbilisi on the last 23rd of July 2025, with an angle on social sustainability.
“Italy is proud to host a discussion on such an important topic. Fencing for All is a project we are pursuing with great determination, in the belief that our sport is a formidable tool for social inclusion. I thank the International Federation for its valuable endorsement; the FIE's support is essential for us. I look forward to seeing numerous representatives of the national federations attend a meeting on March 27 in Rome, which will establish fencing as a leader in sport for all” President Mazzone said.
The rounds of talks will be followed by a practical demonstration through an exhibition match – Blades of Inclusion - involving athletes living with ASD alongside able-bodied fencers, translating inclusivity and integration into concrete sport action.
This is the section you won’t want to overlook — not just discussion, but solid, pragmatic evidence.
Come and take a closer look. Discover a new path inspired by these exemplary approaches to inclusion and integration.
A path that can be adapted and applied to other vulnerable groups — and that, in turn, will enrich your own experience and bring added value beyond the conventional.
Pause for a moment and reflect on the power of positively impacting human lives. That impact can transform your circle, your friends, your village, your city.
Isn’t it worth trying? Let fencing be beyond fences.