The Roaring Fork Fencers Club in Colorado has officially become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This change, completed in July 2025, aims to ease financial pressures and boost community involvement in the Olympic sport of fencing.

Glenwood Springs and Aspen residents now have better access to fencing programs thanks to this shift. Head coach Greg Domashovetz leads the effort to make the club a lasting community asset.

Club’s Journey from Startup to Community Staple

The Roaring Fork Fencers Club started in 2017 when Greg Domashovetz moved to the Roaring Fork Valley from Denver. He wanted to share his passion for fencing with locals, starting small with basic classes for kids and adults.

Over the years, the club grew steadily. By the 2024-25 season, it had around 20 active members training in foil, the most popular discipline. Domashovetz noticed how costs for equipment, travel, and facilities kept rising, especially after 2020 when inflation hit hard.

The club expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic by adding online options and more in-person sessions. This helped keep fencers engaged and built a loyal group. Domashovetz says the real magic happens in the connections formed on the strip, where kids from different schools become friends.

Why the Switch to Nonprofit Status Matters

Becoming a nonprofit lets the club apply for grants and host fundraisers that were out of reach before. Domashovetz pointed out that rising living costs over the last five years made it tough to keep things affordable for families.

This status also cuts costs on things like venue rentals in Aspen and Glenwood Springs. The club can now offer more scholarships and discounts, drawing in fencers who might otherwise skip the sport due to price.

In June 2025, the club launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover legal and accounting fees for the transition. Extra funds went toward operations and future events. By September, the club updated its website to reflect the new 501(c)(3) setup, signaling a fresh start.

The move aligns with other local sports groups in the valley. It turns the club from a personal venture into a shared resource, complete with a board of directors to guide decisions.

Building Connections Through Fencing

Fencing at the Roaring Fork Fencers Club goes beyond swordplay. It creates cross-generational bonds, with kids, teens, and adults sparring together. Domashovetz highlights how participants from various schools form lasting friendships.

Practices happen three days a week in Glenwood Springs at the Community Art Center and twice weekly in Aspen at the Red Brick Center for the Arts. Sessions focus on fun, strategy, and skill building, welcoming beginners aged 7 and up.

One recent highlight was a winter camp in December 2024 featuring Olympic gold medalist Jackie Dubrovich. She inspired young fencers and showed the sport’s global appeal. Such events draw crowds and motivate locals to join.

The club emphasizes inclusivity. Families can get financial aid, and private lessons are available for those wanting extra help. This approach solves a common problem: finding an active hobby that fits busy valley lifestyles.

Recent Wins and Competitive Edge

The Roaring Fork Fencers Club has made waves in competitions. In the 2024-25 Western Slope Cup season, members grabbed championship titles and placed in the top 25 of USA Fencing’s Region 4.

Young fencers like those in the Y10 category shone at the first Roaring Fork Rumble tournament. Older students also competed well at events like the Hangover Open, earning points toward national rankings.

Domashovetz underestimated the club’s draw as a community hub. Now, with nonprofit backing, they plan more tournaments and camps. This could inspire the next generation in the Roaring Fork Valley, where outdoor sports dominate but fencing offers a unique indoor thrill.

Here are some key achievements from the past year:

• Championship wins in the Western Slope Cup 2024-25
• Top 25 placement in USA Fencing Region 4
• Successful hosting of the Roaring Fork Rumble for youth fencers
• Participation in senior events like the Hangover Open

Looking Ahead: Growth and Community Impact

With nonprofit status secured, the club eyes expansion. They aim to add more adult programs and partner with schools for after-school clubs. This could help kids who struggle with team sports find their fit in individual fencing.

The transition opens doors to corporate sponsors and valley foundations. Domashovetz hopes to host bigger events, like regional qualifiers, right in Glenwood Springs or Aspen. Such steps would put the area on the fencing map.

Fencing builds discipline, quick thinking, and confidence, skills that transfer to school and life. In a place like the Roaring Fork Valley, where adventure sports rule, this club adds variety and keeps folks active year-round.

Experts note that nonprofits like this one foster healthier communities by promoting niche sports. Recent studies show fencing improves focus in youth, tying into broader wellness trends post-pandemic.

As the club moves forward, it stands as a model for small sports groups seeking sustainability. Readers, share your thoughts on local fencing or similar programs in the comments below. What sports club in your area could use a boost like this?