Four from the United States Named to World Para Fencing Commissions
by Bryan Wendell
A record four Americans have been appointed to World Para Fencing Commissions and Panels — a significant milestone that underscores the growing influence of parafencing in the United States.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — In a promising sign of our ongoing commitment to parafencing in the United States, USA Fencing is proud to announce that four individuals from Team USA have been appointed to World Para Fencing Commissions and Panels.
These appointments mark a record number for the United States, further solidifying our nation’s leadership in developing and championing the sport of parafencing worldwide.
The newly appointed representatives from the United States include:
- Lauryn DeLuca PLY to the Promotion Commission
- Jonathan Moss to the Referee Commission
- Kathy Walters to the SEMI Commission
- Gil Pezza to the Disciplinary Panel
Their appointments come on the heels of another milestone for the United States: Gabrielle Tabori Sabharwal, who was elected to the World Para Fencing Executive Committee at the sport’s Congress in November. Together, these five individuals form the largest cohort of American representation at the international level in the history of parafencing (previously known internationally as wheelchair fencing).
“We’re incredibly proud to see this record number of Team USA members stepping into leadership roles within World Para Fencing,” says USA Fencing CEO Phil Andrews. “Not only does this benefit our parafencers, who will now have a greater voice on the global stage, but it also resonates with all fencers who care about the continued growth and expansion of our sport. Each appointee brings unique expertise and passion, and this is a meaningful step toward making fencing more inclusive and accessible for everyone.”
In its announcement, World Para Fencing notes that here is still one vacancy on the Disciplinary Panel, and the Coaches’ Representative will be announced at a later date. We applaud all five of these representatives and wish them great success on the global stage.