FOR the second year in a row, Duellists Fencing Club has received the award for Best Regional Club of the year from the New South Wales Fencing Association.
Based in Coffs Harbour, the local club was bestowed the honor for their significant contributions in developing the region’s fencing community.
Led by former Australian Olympic athlete and coach Scott Arnold, the club is committed to initiatives that build the sport, provide inclusivity and child safe environments.
Most notably, Scott was Chloe Esposito’s fencing coach in her gold medal success in the modern pentathlon event at the Rio Olympics in 2016, along with coaching many other athletes in their national and international campaigns.
The club’s programs include Mini Musketeers (primary age), beginner courses, general club training, and training camps open to fencers from all over Australia to attend.
Assistant coach Julie Pearce said that the award is no doubt due to the club’s commitment to developing fencing through skilled coaching, accessible programs, and community building.
“It’s not a mainstream sport, but it’s a really great sport because it’s for everyone, whether you’re sporty or academic, young or old, it has the capacity to be a new sport for everyone to try.”
By Aiden BURGESS
