USA Fencing has announced Fencing Across America throughout the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games, an initiative designed to bring the sport directly to communities across the United States.
The first event will take place July 25–29 at the Mall of America in Minneapolis. Other venues include Cambridge Fields in Boston; American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey; Grand Central Terminal and Wollman Rink at Central Park in New York City; the San Francisco Center Mall; and The Wharf and Union Station in Washington, D.C.
“We’re bringing the Olympic and Paralympic spirit directly to the people,” said USA Fencing Chief Executive Officer Phil Andrews. “With Fencing Across America, we hope to inspire a new generation of fencing enthusiasts by making the sport accessible and engaging, the biggest role our community can generate is inviting family, friends, colleagues and neighbors to go and grab a sword.”
Each morning and afternoon, Olympics fans will encounter fencing live on NBC or Peacock. Then fans will encounter live fencing demonstrations in the different locations. Each site will be staffed by local club owners, with fencers ready to demonstrate techniques, answer questions and guide newcomers.
In some cities, that may even include Olympians and Olympic coaches who are not competing or coaching in Paris. In select sites, there will also be the opportunity to try parafencing as excitement builds toward the Paralympic Games in September.