Skate Canada said it will be advancing its Skating for Everyone initiative by updating the definition of team to two skaters for the Podium Pathway for pair and ice dance teams. .“By updating the definition of team, many individuals in the figure skating community in Canada will have new opportunities to embrace the sport,” said Skate Canada President Karen Butcher in a press release. .“This change is about removing barriers to participation in skating, and we believe it will have a significant impact in ensuring all gender identities are recognized and accepted equally and without prejudice.”.The release said the previous definition of team was one woman and one man. It said the previous definition was inconsistent with Skate Canada’s vision of Skating for Everyone and its commitment to anti-discrimination, including based on gender identity. .The motion was developed by the Skate Canada Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) Operating Committee and unanimously endorsed in July. It was presented to the Skate Canada Board of Directors and unanimously passed in September. .The release went on to say the Podium Pathway is the final Skate Canada level to be revised to align with the organization’s policies related to anti-discrimination and gender identity. The StarSkate and Adult pathways were updated to the two skaters terminology in 2019. .“Ice dance is my passion, and although beautifully steeped in tradition, the future of our sport depends on looking critically and assertively at who and who is not represented,” said Skate Canada EDIA member and former Olympian Kaitlyn Weaver. .“All skaters deserve to have a home on the ice— inclusive of their fullest selves.”.Weaver said she looks forward to “seeing that become a reality in the competitive arena.”.The release said allowing any two skaters to compete through the Podium Pathway will have a significant impact on the sport development in pair and ice dance disciplines. It added this update will allow skaters to move forward with further achievements and competitive successes through its Skating to Win program. .The definition and the language will be updated in the rule book, Podium Pathway documents, and the scoring system. Updated language of skater A and skater B, lifted partner and lifting partner, and follow and lead can be used to differentiate each athlete..Butcher said this change has been “endorsed by Skate Canada and will allow for new and exciting partnerships in the pair and ice dance disciplines to compete at the national level.” .“Skate Canada is privileged to continue the advancement of skating in Canada by making rule and policy change that allows everyone to experience the joy of skating,” she said. .Biathlon Alberta said in October it would be creating a non-binary category for all races in the 2022-2023 Calforex Cup series effective November. .READ MORE: NON-BINATHLON: Biathlon Alberta adds non-binary category to racing.“We believe all people should have access to the experience of racing and enjoying our great sport, no matter their gender,” said Biathlon Alberta General Manager Elmar Heger. .“It’s important to us to live the value of inclusion and that means standing by the belief our sport is for everyone.”
