On July 17th, the Figure Skating Diversity & Inclusion Alliance made its first grassroots steps as an organization, towards bringing change, at first within Skate Canada and all sporting organizations in Canada, and then worldwide.
The mission of FSDIA is to foster a more diverse & inclusive figure skating environment worldwide through policy change, program development & funding for the next generation of athletes. In order to do so, the alliance took its first action by reaching out to several Canadian organizations with 6 calls to action.
Asher Hill (picture) is a former international ice dancer and represented Canada worldwide. He is now a coach within Skate Canada and a member of the FSDIA. Hill has recently opened up about his past experience with the Canadian figure skating federation.
Following a public statement made by the Federation regarding the Black Lives Matter movement, it inspired the FSDIA to take action, by reaching out to entities in the hope to start building long-lasting partnerships highlighting diversity & inclusion through our 6 calls of action.
"Skate Canada supports a safe, open, and inclusive environment for everyone...we stand with the Black community....We are committed to anti-racism and leading by example [...]"
The Alliance has started a petition, in order to increase awareness regarding matters that consequently impact figure skaters and coaches of color worldwide. FSDIA's efforts started with Canadian national sports organizations and will expand internationally.