Following a significant funding award from Sport England, British Ice Skating have launched a major disability participation initiative. Over £170,000 has been invested into a three-year pilot project that will grow the opportunities for disabled people.
Similar initiatives have already met with success; here at Spice in Slough, we’ve been developing ice skating opportunities for children and young adults with additional needs since 2002.
The launch of the project is the latest milestone in an ongoing move by British Ice Skating to broaden access to the sport.
Stef Reid, former paralympic athlete turned Dancing on Ice star and now an ambassador for British Ice Skating, said of the changes:
“I didn’t start skating until I was 37 because I didn’t think it was an option for someone with an artificial foot. It’s why I love the new Skate UK dispensation scheme – it gives skaters and coaches the freedom to learn and teach skills in a way that is right for them, and it means even more people can get involved!”
On the importance of the pilot project and the investment that has made it possible, British Ice Skating President Robin Cousins:
“British Ice Skating has been working hard to embed inclusion at the heart of our sports; this investment not only recognises that work but will help us enhance it on so many levels.
The investment was secured via a successful bid to a Sport England Pilot Fund.
This will fund accessibility equipment and resources, staff training and volunteer support, plus Equality, Diversity and Inclusion staff to support the delivery of the project and greatly enhance British Ice Skating’s capacity for progress in these areas.
