Fencers with blindness compete during Rochester tournament: 'don't let anything hold you back'
Dec 22, 2024
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Sunday, Ludus Fencing Studio in Rochester hosted its annual Saturnalia Fencing Tournament. It featured two athletes who are blind.
Fencers at the ready during Sunday's tournament. (WROC/Trinity Wilson.)
The fencers competed against opponents who are not blind but wore blindfolds for the duration of the match. One fencer said he discovered his love of fending when he learned how to use a cane. He said he's appreciated the camaraderie and the competition ever since.
"For those who want to get into fencing, especially blind people - don't let anything hold you back. Don't let anything discourage you from pursuing fencing or any sport that you'd like to pursue," said Baiden Wingrove, one of the fencers dealing with blindness.
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Ludus Fencing Studio officials said it's an inclusion partner with a local nonprofit called Rochester Accessible Adventures.