Wheelchair fencers can compete in foil, épée and sabre. This sport is played by athletes of any age who have a physical impairment. The Ontario Fencing Association supports the development of the sport within the province and collaborates with athletes of all levels to provide support to clubs and individuals.
Classification
Classification ensures that the playing field is level for athletes with disabilities. Athletes are formally evaluated and placed into a category defined by their degree of function. In competitive wheelchair fencing, fencers only compete against others in the same impairment class and gender. Regardless of the category, all wheelchair fencers have an impairment of their feet or legs and compete in wheelchairs. Wheelchair fencing has 3 categories:
- A – includes athletes good sitting balance and full movement range in the fencing arm. Typically these athletes have lower limb amputations, cerebral palsy, a lower level spinal cord injury and may or may not use a wheelchair in daily life.
- B – includes athletes with poor trunk control but full use of one or both upper limbs. Typically these athletes have a higher level spinal cord injury and use a wheelchair in daily life.
- C – includes athletes with a severe impairment in all four limbs and is not currently featured at the Paralympic Games.
At provincial competitions, no classification is necessary and competitions are held in an “open” format. In order to become eligible to compete internationally, all fencers must be classified and meet the minimum impairment qualification.
Featured Athletes
 Amber BriarDate of Birth: 03/12/2000 Hometown: Mississauga, ON Category: Women’s A Club: Brock Badgers Best International Result: Foil Bronze at U23 World Championships in 2022 |
 Trinity LowthianDate of Birth: 29/01/2002 Hometown: Ottawa, ON Category: Women’s B Club: Ottawa Fencing Best International Result: Épée Silver at 2022 PanAm Championships |
Getting Started
Contact your local fencing club (found in the Club Directory) to learn what opportunities might be available to you.
Interested in including wheelchair fencing in your club programming? Reach out to Trinity Lowthian and check out the resources for clubs below.
Resources
General
- International Wheelchair Fencing Governing Body
- International Paralympic Committee
- Paralympic Foundation of Canada
- Introduction to Wheelchair Fencing Course
For Clubs and Coaches
- Becoming Para Ready
- Coaching Athletes with a Disability
- Wheelchair Fencing Coaching Videos
- Introduction to Refereeing
- DIY Wheelchair Fencing Training Frame
- ParaSport Ontario Resource Library
