Athletes Commission for 2025-2028 Announced

The Australian Fencing Federation (AFF) is excited to announce the formation of its newest Athletes Commission, voted upon in December 2024, which aims to enhance the voice and representation of Australian athletes within the sport of fencing — the AFF’s ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and athlete-centred environment for all participants. 

The newly established Athletes Commission will serve as a vital advisory body, providing a direct link between the Federation’s leadership and the athletes who compete at all levels of the sport. The commission will focus on amplifying the concerns, needs, and aspirations of athletes while offering strategic input to help shape the future direction of fencing in Australia. 

The Athlete’s Commission is designed to: 

• Advocate for athletes: Ensuring that the needs and well-being of athletes are considered in decision-making at all levels. 

• Provide a platform for athletes’ voices: Offering a formalized and transparent process for athletes to contribute to the development of the sport. 

• Enhance athlete engagement: Building a stronger connection between athletes and the Federation, fostering a sense of community and support. 

• Support elite athlete development: Helping to create pathways for success, from grassroots to elite-level fencing. 

AFF President Davide Wheeler emphasised the importance of the commission:
“The continued growth of the Athletes Commission is a vital step in ensuring that Australian fencing continues to thrive. We believe in empowering our athletes and providing them with the tools and opportunities to excel, both on and off the piste. This commission will help shape our programs and policies and foster an even stronger sense of unity and purpose within the Australian fencing community.” 

This cycle of the Athletes Commission has been selected through a direct election process, in which athletes from the Australian Fencing Community have their say in who they want to represent. Along with the three elected positions, the AFF Board appointed two members to the commission with a strong focus on diversity across age, gender, and experience levels. The commission will meet regularly to discuss matters of importance, ranging from athlete welfare and competition policies to training resources and international representation. 

The Commission’s members include: 

1. Colleen Stokes – Elected 

1. Domenic Yates – Elected 

1. Robert Ciccarelli – Elected 

1. Georgina Barrett – Appointed  

1. Sam Blade – Appointed 

With these respected individuals leading the charge, the Athletes Commission will ensure that the needs of athletes at every stage of their careers are heard and met. 

The Australian Fencing Federation looks forward to working closely with the Athletes Commission and is excited about the many possibilities this new team will bring to the sport of fencing in Australia. Together, we will continue to build a future of excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in Australian fencing. 

The Australian Fencing Federation would like to express sincere gratitude to the outgoing members of the previous Athletes Commission. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment over the years have laid a strong foundation for future growth in the sport. Their invaluable contributions to the development of Australian fencing have helped shape the sport into what it is today, and we are grateful for their service and leadership. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.