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The Change Foundation has joined international leaders in fencing to help shape a more inclusive future for autistic and neurodiverse young people in sport.
The charity was invited to take part in the first global Fencing 4 All – Promoting Inclusion on Autism roundtable, hosted by the Italian Fencing Federation in Rome. Representatives from 15 national fencing federations attended, alongside experts working to widen access to sport for people with intellectual disabilities.
The invitation recognised The Change Foundation’s pioneering Fencing 4 Change programme, which supports autistic young people to develop both motor and social skills through structured fencing sessions.
Recognised for Proven Impact
Fencing 4 Change has already delivered powerful results.
Young people taking part in the programme have improved key motor and social skills by 60% in less than nine months, demonstrating how carefully designed sport sessions can unlock confidence, coordination, and communication.
That evidence of impact helped position The Change Foundation as a key voice in conversations about how fencing can be adapted to better support autistic athletes.
The roundtable in Rome created space for national federations and specialists to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore ways to make fencing more inclusive worldwide.
It also included an exhibition match featuring mixed teams of neurotypical athletes and athletes with intellectual disabilities, demonstrating inclusion in action, not just in theory.
A Seat at the Global Table
Being invited to the discussion marked an important milestone for The Change Foundation.
It signalled growing international recognition of the organisation’s work and its commitment to creating sport environments that meet young people where they are.
The event also created opportunities for collaboration between countries, with a shared aim of building pathways into fencing for young people who have historically faced barriers to participation.
For The Change Foundation, the moment reflects years of work to challenge assumptions about who sport is for.
Building a More Inclusive Future
At its core, Fencing 4 Change is about more than fencing, it’s about confidence, connection, and independence.
For autistic young people, structured activities like fencing can provide rhythm, focus, and a safe way to build relationships and communication skills.
The global conversation in Rome showed that this work is gaining momentum, with more organisations recognising the importance of designing sport around people’s needs.
As The Change Foundation continues to grow its programmes, its role in the Fencing 4 All movement represents a powerful step towards a future where sport is truly accessible to everyone.
And for the young people who benefit from these opportunities, that future is already beginning to take shape.
