We want to hear your ideas. Pitch your best idea and win up to $200.
Pickleball went from a backyard game to America's fastest-growing sport. Fencing is an Olympic sport — but most people have never tried it. How do we change that?
"How do we make fencing as popular as pickleball?"
Present a 3-5 minute pitch on your best idea. Think big — new formats, social media strategies, community events, technology, school programs, or anything that could bring fencing to more kids. You can use slides, demos, prototypes, or just speak from the heart.
Your pitch will be scored on five dimensions by our panel of judges.
Is the idea fresh and innovative? Does it approach the problem in a way we haven't seen before?
Could this actually work? Is it realistic to implement with available resources and within a reasonable timeframe?
How many people could this reach? Would it meaningfully grow fencing participation among young people?
Is the pitch clear, well-structured, and engaging? Can the audience understand and get excited about the idea?
Does the presenter truly believe in their idea? Enthusiasm and authentic passion make a pitch memorable.
Simple process, big opportunity.
Our panel includes experienced product builders, entrepreneurs, and fencing community leaders who know what it takes to turn ideas into reality.
Judge panel will be announced soon. Stay tuned!
Open to young fencers of all levels. No prior pitching or business experience required.
All participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian on pitch day.
Keep it focused. You may use slides, posters, demos, or prototypes — but they're not required.
Your pitch must be your own work. Parents can help with preparation, but the idea and presentation must come from the participant.
Non-refundable. Covers venue and event costs. All registration fees go toward running the event.
You can pitch solo or as a team of two. Teams share the prize.
No! You just need to be a fencer (any level) who cares about growing the sport. Beginners welcome.
In person: One Eleven One Ninety, 111 Deerwood Road Suite 190, San Ramon, CA 94583. Can't make it in person? You can also pitch via Zoom. Zoom link will be sent to registered participants before the event.
Yes! You can use slides, posters, videos, props, or prototypes. A projector and screen will be available. You can also just speak — no visual aids required.
That's completely normal. The event is supportive and encouraging — everyone is here to cheer you on. Think of it as sharing an idea with friends, not a formal presentation.
The judge panel scores each pitch on creativity, feasibility, impact, presentation clarity, and passion. Scores are combined and the highest total wins.
Yes, parents can help with research, practicing, and preparation. But the idea and the pitch itself must be the participant's own work.
Support the next generation of fencing leaders. Your sponsorship helps make this event possible and puts your brand in front of the fencing community.
Your logo on the event banner, program, and projected slides throughout the day.
Featured mention on FencingBuddies social media before and after the event.
Present the award to the winner on stage and be recognized as a prize sponsor.
Interested in sponsoring? We'd love to hear from you.
Contact Us About Sponsorship$15 registration fee. Spots are limited. You'll be redirected to Stripe for secure payment.