This fall, the Nassau County Sports Commission (NCSC) and the Fencing Center of Long Island (FCLI), located in Deer Park, join forces running an intensive eight-week introductory fencing program for the participants of the NCSC's Let's Do It! program.

This program marks the first time that an enthusiast from a specific sport has initiated an idea for a Let's Do It! program. Ian Seltzer, a fencer at Jericho High School and the Fencing Center of Long Island, suggested the idea to Toby Tolley, his coach and a former fencing National Champion. The proposed idea would introduce fencing to students who have no access to the sport. Together Toby and Ian approached the staff at the Nassau County Sports Commission who immediately began working with community groups on this well received proposal. There was a large response from local youth organizations and due to limited availability, a total of 30 children are now participating as fencing students.

Toby Tolley and Justin Meehan, two-time Empire State Games Foil Champion and partner at the Fencing Center of Long Island, are the primary instructors for this Let's Do It! program. The FCLI is the only permanent fencing facility open seven days a week on all of Long Island. Its top notch staff consists of many of the best high school coaches in Long Island representing Brentwood, Garden City, Great Neck North, Hewlett, Jericho, Newfield, and Walt Whitman. Sessions for the program run Monday thru Thursday, 4:45 pm to 5:45 pm, with each participant attending twice a week. Along with instruction, the participants become members of the United States Fencing Association (USFA).

The Fencing Center of Long Island offers instruction for all ages in either an individual or group setting seven days a week at its Deer Park location at 289A Suburban Avenue. More information is available at www.fencingcenterli.com or by calling 631-586-4455.