Breaking The Ice: Diversity Push In Winter Sports Gains Momentum

Striving for Diversity on the Slopes

Whether it’s indoor halfpipes in bustling New Jersey or the serene Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Wyoming, programs are popping up everywhere with a mission to foster a vibrant and diverse new generation of skiers, skaters, and snowboarders. Yet, as the Winter Olympics roll around, the representation of these athletes on the grand stage often lags behind.

Former Canadian figure skater Elladj Baldé, inspired by his own experiences facing adversity, launched the Skate Global Foundation just a year before the Beijing Winter Games. His initiative is one among many striving to open up the icy world of winter sports to underserved communities, guiding them from recreational skiing to potential Olympic glory.

“If there were more organizations like this doing this type of work, I think we would have a lot more funding available for skaters of color to be able to access support and the technical background that they need in order to continue to evolve in the sport,” Baldé said.

The Financial Hurdle

The journey to the Olympics often hinges on wealth and access to elite training facilities, which can cost a fortune. Baldé knows this struggle all too well. His foundation now offers $3,000 grants to Canadian skaters of color who are on the cusp of reaching the Olympic level, hoping to provide the support he felt was lacking during his own career.

The U.S. Alpine skiing and figure skating teams still primarily feature white athletes, though the roster is more diverse than in previous years. Rising stars like Laila Edwards, set to make history as the first Black woman on the U.S. women’s hockey team at the Olympics, are blazing trails despite the odds.

Empowering Athletes of Color

With about 7,000 members across 62 clubs, the National Brotherhood of Snowsports (NBS) is another key player in the push for diversity. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to support athletes of color on their journey to Olympic success. The NBS alleviates the financial burden by offering scholarships that cover everything from coaching to travel expenses.

The upcoming Winter Games promise a more colorful spectrum of athletes, with countries like Benin and Guinea-Bissau making their debut. For more kids to see themselves in these sports, representation is crucial, as U.S. speedskater Erin Jackson knows well. Her historic win in 2022 made her the first Black woman to clinch an individual gold at the Winter Olympics, and she’s committed to increasing diversity in her sport.

Impact of DEI Efforts

Research by Snowsports Industries America shows that diversity initiatives are indeed making waves. Participation rates among Hispanic and Asian Pacific Islander communities have seen noticeable increases. While there’s still a decline in participation from white communities, the rising diversity numbers are a promising trend.

The International Olympic Committee is also playing its part, offering financial aid through its Olympic Solidarity program. Scholarships aim to level the playing field for athletes from diverse backgrounds, helping them train and compete on the world stage. This year, a record number of athletes have received these grants, paving the way for a more inclusive Olympic future.