DEIB Awards

This award highlights fencing clubs who are demonstrating an outstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by increasing access to the sport of fencing.

This award was created in recognition of Mariel Zagunis and her tremendous contributions to women’s advancement in the sport of fencing. Zagunis is a decorated American saber fencer who is a five-time Olympian, four-time Olympic medalist (two golds, two bronzes). She’s the first American fencer to medal at three Olympic games (2004, 2008 and 2016) In addition to her outstanding career as an athlete, Zagunis supports the development of the next generation of women saber fencers through her work with the Mariel Zagunis Women's Saber Fund. 

This award was developed in recognition of Maestro Les Stawicki and his commitment to advancing the sport of parafencing. Stawicki has had a successful career serving as former Head Coach of the Ukrainian Saber Team and served as the Head Coach of the Polish National and Olympic Teams from 1972-1990.  In 1992, Stawicki established the Louisville Fencing Center and was very instrumental in developing and growing the parafencing program. He served as head coach for the U.S. Parafencing team at every Paralympic Games from the team's creation in 1996 to Rio 2016. Some of his notable fencers include Susan Benson, Terri Cecil-Ramsey, Sean Shumate, Cat Bouwkamp, Lauryn DeLuca, and many others.  It is our hope that this award inspires fencing clubs to develop or engage fencers in safe and inclusive environments that are wheelchair accessible. In the spirit of supporting the growth of parafencing, while clubs may be limited with their facilities, we encourage clubs to expose and engage individuals with disabilities in your local communities to the sport of fencing. 

This award honors fencing clubs for their commitment to creating access for Persons with disabilities to enjoy the sport of fencing. USA Fencing is passionate about advocating on behalf of athletes with disabilities (both visible and invisible), and this award seeks to inspire clubs to create safe and inclusive spaces for all disabled athletes.