Building Bridges Through Fencing

Aug 9

My Experience with the Ecuador Fencing Federation

When I arrived in Quito, one of the most memorable parts of my journey was working with the Ecuador Fencing Federation, led by national head coach Carlos and his dedicated team. Joining me was my friend Lucas Cardenas, a fellow student from Cinco Ranch high school whose Ecuadorian roots and fluent Spanish helped bridge the communication gap throughout the trip.

Sharing Equipment, Sharing Opportunity

Together, we donated a collection of clean, gently used fencing gear that had been gathered from Alliance Fencing Academy and other supporters back home. In total, we contributed:

6 épée masks
12 jackets
12 pants
6 underarm protectors
10 gloves

The equipment went directly to athletes who needed it most, ensuring that more young fencers in Ecuador could continue training with proper gear.

Training and Connection

The workshops were structured but diverse, drawing from programs developed under former U.S. Olympic head coach Andrey and coach Dorian from Cuban. Each day followed a rhythm:

4:20 – 6:30 PM: Conditioning games, warm-ups, stretching, and drills
6:30 – 8:00 PM: Open fencing bouts
8:00 – 8:15 PM: Yoga-style stretching and cooldown

Beyond fencing, we also played soccer, asked each other questions about our lives, and shared encouragement. What began as formal training quickly turned into genuine friendship.

Beyond Language Barriers

Despite my limited Spanish, communication flowed naturally thanks to Lucas’s interpretation—and, more importantly, through the universal language of sport. The shared discipline of fencing, paired with laughter and curiosity, created an atmosphere of trust and camaraderie.

Lessons Learned

This experience taught me that volunteering is not just about giving—it’s also about receiving. Through fencing, I learned gratitude, empathy, and the power of community. Our small contribution of equipment was just the beginning; what will endure is the belief that even modest acts can spark lasting change, and that true exchange begins with respect and understanding.