LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

DAVID ARIAS

We’re all tired of talking about how difficult the last two years have been. Just when it seemed like we found a way to live with COVID-19, Russia invades Ukraine.

USA Fencing is managing through the pandemic with a lot of help. That’s how good decisions are made. We leaned heavily on a terrific national office staff, received advice from medical professionals, developed closer ties with other sports organizations and the USOPC and hired a terrific interim CEO to help us rebuild our organization. More importantly, the national office staff and the Board of Directors have spent a lot more time talking with people throughout the fencing community – the fencers and volunteers who support USA Fencing without any guarantees about when tournaments would begin. We made it together.

There is another group that has earned our great respect and admiration. Our response to COVID-19 occurred over years and involved hundreds of decisions. When Russia invaded Ukraine, decisions were needed immediately. We had athletes competing in Egypt and Mexico, faced with enormous personal and professional decisions. How we responded is just one example of how the members of our Athletes Council have played a critically important role in nearly every key decision affecting our sport. They also serve on our Board and committees to help develop key policies like diversity and safety, and reviewing the strategic plans guiding USA Fencing over the next four years.

There is no time to slow down. Preparations have already begun for the Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, the search has begun for our new CEO, tournaments are being run better than ever, our athletes continue their success in international competition, we are taking steps to grow fencing through coaching education and development and our staff and Board are working hard to keep our fencers safe both on and off the strip. I am very grateful to all of you for your commitment to the sport of fencing.