AFF announces bid to host World Para Fencing Coaching Course in Sydney in December 2026

Sydney, Australia – December 2026

The Australian Fencing Federation (AFF) is pleased to announce plans to host a World Para Fencing (WPF) Coaching Course in Sydney, Australia, from 7–11 December 2026.

The proposed five-day course will provide coaches from across Oceania, Asia and the wider international fencing community with a unique opportunity to develop their knowledge and practical coaching skills in wheelchair fencing under the guidance of Stefan Makowski.

Stefan is one of the National Coaches for the Polish team and runs a Para Fencing program at his club in Warsaw. He is also a former Paralympian for Para Fencing and part of the Paralympic coaching team for Poland.

Delivered in conjunction with an Australian para fencing open invitation training camp, the course will combine theory and practical weapon-specific training sessions spanning foil, épée and sabre disciplines.

The course is to be hosted at the Sydney Academy of Fencing, an accessible venue with an established para fencing program and dedicated para fencing frames available onsite. The venue is located approximately 15 minutes from Sydney International Airport. A range of accommodation options, including accessible hotel rooms and apartments, are available within close proximity to the venue, supporting the needs of travelling participants.

The AFF President welcomed the opportunity to bring a World Para Fencing education program to the Oceania region.

“Hosting a World Para Fencing Coaching Course in Australia would represent an important milestone for the development of para fencing across Oceania. This initiative would provide coaches with valuable learning opportunities while strengthening pathways for athletes and coaches throughout the region.”

The AFF encourages coaches, national federations, para sport practitioners and fencing development personnel to consider participating in this significant educational opportunity.

Coach Participation Requirements:

• A WPF coach license is required which costs 10 pounds. The course registrations cost 100 pounds regardless of how many weapons.
• Coaches wanting to register will need to email [email protected]with their Name, DOB, Contact Email, and Gender. They will also need to indicate which weapons they are registering for.
• We will register the coach for the license and the course and then pass on the invoice to coaches after the course.

For full course information, eligibility requirements, registration details, accommodation information and deadlines, please refer to the accompanying “WPF Invitation Letter”.