Former youth Olympian holds fencing clinic

US-based Filipino fencer Lance Tan, a former Youth Olympic Games campaigner, is scheduled to conduct a fencing clinic on Nov. 26 at the Fencing Hall of the PhilSports Complex.

Tan, who plays for Sacred Heart University in the US NCAA, has been selected as one of the 25 Young Leaders by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a four-year program that gives chosen athletes an opportunity to develop sustainable, sport-focused social businesses for the coming years.

The 21-year-old fencer said that conducting the pilot fencing clinic in the country—with 20 participants expected to show up—allows him to pursue his goal of having “a positive impact on the community,” particularly on athletes and their families.

“My project’s social development goals are quality education, good health and well-being, and reduced inequalities,” said Tan. “Fencing and all sports can serve as a gateway. IOC Young Leaders first and foremost should be living examples of Olympism and the Olympic values.”

Tan, who represented the country in the 2018 Youth Olympiad in Argentina, trains at Brooklyn Bridge Fencing Club and Golobitsky Fencing Club in the United States.