USA Fencing and #WeRideTogether Announce Official Safeguarding Partnership
USA Fencing, the national governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of fencing in the United States, and #WeRideTogether, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating abuse in sports, are proud to announce an official safeguarding partnership dedicated to strengthening education, awareness, and prevention efforts throughout the fencing community.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that every fencer has the opportunity to train, compete, and participate in a sporting environment where their safety and well-being are prioritized.
“At USA Fencing, athlete safety underpins everything we do. Ensuring our members feel safe and supported when they train, practice, and compete is both our duty and our responsibility. We see #WeRideTogether as a key partner in our ongoing commitment to the fencing family and look forward to sharing their resources with our community,” said CEO Phil Andrews.
As part of the partnership, #WeRideTogether will support USA Fencing’s ongoing safeguarding initiatives through prevention education, resources, and engagement with the fencing community. The organizations will also bring safeguarding education and resources directly to members at future fencing events.
“National Governing Bodies play an important role in top-down prevention of abuse and misconduct, and we look forward to working with USA Fencing to empower the fencing community with education and resources, so that they can take action to keep themselves and others safe,” said Michaela Callie, Executive Director of #WeRideTogether.
The partnership will provide USA Fencing members with access to #WeRideTogether’s educational tools and resources focused on abuse prevention, healthy sport, boundaries, power dynamics, recognizing concerns, responding to misconduct, and more.
Through this partnership, USA Fencing and #WeRideTogether are committed to fostering a culture where safeguarding is embedded in the sporting experience and where fencers, families, coaches, and communities are empowered to play a role in keeping sport safe and healthy.
About #WeRideTogether
#WeRideTogether is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating abuse in all sports, at every level of play, around the world. Their mission is to make sports environments safer for all athletes. #WeRideTogether believes sport should be the safest and healthiest place for children and young adults to grow and flourish, and that every individual has the right to learn, play, and compete without fear of abuse. The organization is committed to creating the radical change needed to fulfill that vision by addressing education and awareness, creating a safe place for survivors to find resources and share their voices, and eliminating the stigma around these necessary conversations. For access to educational tools, resources, and supports, and to learn how we can play a role in creating safe, healthy sporting communities, visit weridetogether.today.
About USA Fencing
USA Fencing is the national governing body for the sport of fencing in the United States. Based in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA Fencing has grown to more than 45,000 members and 750 affiliated clubs nationwide. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, U.S. fencers earned four medals, including two golds, one silver, and one bronze. USA Fencing is committed to growing the sport at all levels, from grassroots youth programs to Olympic and Paralympic podiums. Learn more at usafencing.org.
