Funding will help remove barriers and improve access to speed skating nationwide, giving more Canadians the opportunity to try the sport
OTTAWA, ONTARIO – A recently announced investment from the Government of Canada will see Speed Skating Canada receive $220,000 in funding from the Community Sport for All Initiative to support the expansion of the organization’s Skate for All and First & Fast Strides programs, creating additional opportunities for Canadians to experience the thrill of racing on ice.
Late last month, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $10.5 million over two years to 13 national-level organizations through the Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI). The funding will support local initiatives that remove barriers to participation in sport, specifically for underrepresented groups such as Black, Indigenous and racialized communities, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ people, persons with low incomes, seniors and newcomers.
As part of this funding commitment, Speed Skating Canada was awarded $220,000 to expand the reach of the recently launched First & Fast Strides learn to skate program, while also providing new Canadians and underrepresented groups the opportunity to try the sport through the new Skate for All program. The organization also received over $200,000 in CSAI funding in 2023-24, which was used to support the creation of First & Fast Strides, as well as the refinement and implementation of the Long Term Development model.
“We strongly believe that every Canadian should have access to organized sport, and the funding received through the Community Sport for All Initiative will help our local clubs remove participation barriers and give more people the opportunity to experience the joy of skating. The expansion of our Skate for All and First & Fast Strides programs will have a tremendous impact on the on the growth of grassroots speed skating throughout the country. We are looking forward to seeing more Canadians on the ice and skating fast thanks to this important investment from the Government of Canada.”Joe Morissette, Chief Executive Officer, Speed Skating Canada
Funding from the Community Sport for All Initiative will be disbursed by Speed Skating Canada to local speed skating clubs, who will be tasked with delivering free Skate for All or First & Fast Strides programs in their respective communities. By offering inclusive and barrier-free programs, clubs will be able to introduce speed skating to new Canadians and underrepresented groups, increasing exposure and interest in the sport that could lead to a boost in recruitment.
Additional details on Skate for All and First & Fast Strides program funding opportunities for local speed skating clubs – including selection criteria, deliverables and deadlines – will be shared in the coming weeks.
CONTACT
Alain Brouillette
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Speed Skating Canada
communications@speedskating.ca