Held at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, San Fernando Campus, the workshop was inspired by a World Para Fencing Academy event for coaches and athletes held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, at the end of 2024. 

Micky Ruben and Earlin Stanford, who were in Sao Paulo, will join forces with three-time veteran world champion, Anne-Marie Walters, to run the three-day event. 

As well as Para fencing, participants will also get the chance to learn about the fundamentals of able-bodied fencing. The program is designed to be fully inclusive, welcoming participants of all abilities from the age of seven and above, with all equipment provided. 

“This initiative represents a key step in the strategic development of Para fencing within the country and aligns with our broader mandate to expand inclusive sport opportunities nationwide,” Ruben, who is the President of TTPC, said. 

“This initiative builds on our ongoing efforts to establish a sustainable pathway for Para fencing in Trinidad and Tobago from grassroots participation to high-performance development. It also reflects our commitment to increasing access, awareness, and classification opportunities for athletes with disabilities, while fostering collaboration with international partners. 

“We are particularly encouraged by the opportunity to use this workshop as a foundation for long-term growth, including the establishment of structured training programs, national classification systems, and eventual international competition participation. 

“Through initiatives like this, the TTPC continues to advance its mission of creating equitable sporting opportunities and strengthening the Paralympic movement within the Caribbean region.” 

Para fencing as a whole continues to grow around the world. As well as Trinidad and Tobago, countries such as Namibia, Egypt, Kenya and Rwanda have also started their national programmes and have made national headlines.   

The next World Para Fencing Referee and Classification Seminars are taking place in 2026 at the upcoming World Cup in Bradenton, Florida, USA, with registration currently open.  

World Para Fencing are continuing to explore a variety of different future opportunities to continue to attract and build the sport in new countries, with further information coming soon.