Charity Spotlight: The Peter Westbrook Foundation
En garde. Allez. Touché.
That’s some of the terminology one might learn as a beneficiary of the Peter Westbrook Foundation, an organization dedicated to using the sport of fencing to enrich the lives of underserved communities in the New York metropolitan area.
Founded by legendary sabre fencer and Olympic bronze medalist Peter Westbrook (a member of every U.S. Olympic team from 1976 to 1996), the foundation is committed to empowering participants with essential life skills. Its Saturday Fencing Program and Academic Enrichment Program are the cornerstones of the organization, and to date have served more than 4,000 participants. It has even produced some Olympic-level fencers.
Much of the program’s success can be attributed to the strong, hands-on leadership of Westbrook, who has long been dedicated to expanded the sport of fencing to new communities. As executive director, Westbrook runs the program’s day-to-day operations, working closely with staff members and volunteers, as well as program participants and their families. His efforts ensure that PWF continues to meet the highest not-for-profit standards and are integral to recruitment, retention and donor outreach.
A staff of decorated athletes, respected community leaders and established business professionals helps to provide the best possible athletic training and academic support to the young people that PWF serves. They work to inspire and motivate PWF participants, emphasizing the importance of education, determination and hard work.
PWF students are challenged physically and mentally. Each session involves rigorous conditioning, one-on-one instruction with Olympic-caliber coaches and activities designed to improve concentration and mental sharpness. PWF students not only learn how to be good winners and losers, but also how their actions directly influence the results they achieve.
The results speak for themselves. The Heisman Trophy Trust is proud to be one of the sponsors of the Peter Westbrook Foundation. To join us in our support, click here.
