URBANA, Ill. (WAND) — Point Fencing Club and School received a $1,500 grant from the non-profit Fencing Forward to help waive registration fees for at-risk students.
Their beginner classes, which they offer in partnership with the Urbana Park District, cost $100 to register for. All equipment is provided in their space, which they share with the University of Illinois' Fencing Illini. The $1500 grant is enough to cover the cost of 15 students' registration.
Co-Founder and President of Fencing Forward, Ella Nguyen, has been fencing since she was six years old.
"When I was younger, I wanted someone to look up to, and now that I'm older and I can help around, I really want to just give back and help other people how I'd want myself to be helped in the past," Nguyen said.
Ray Richardson is the Social Director for The Fencing Illini and a coach for beginners at Point.
"Seeing kids get that same love and find that same energy for the sport, just seeing them improve, I mean, every single time it just brings some new joy into my heart," Richardson said.
The next term starts after Martin Luther King Jr. Day. If you're interested in receiving the grant to waive registration fees, reach out to the Urbana Park District.
Top Stories:
Claims of service dog abuse at Rochester High School go viral
Friends of Robin Roberts to take control of stadium, promise $1 million in upgrades
Springfield landlord accountability measure fails to secure enough votes for March ballot
IL Sen. Doris Turner helps support Thanksgiving meal effort at St. John's Breadline
Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
