World Ice Skating Day Builds Belonging on the Ice
World Ice Skating Day (WISD), led by the International Skating Union (ISU), is a global celebration of the joy of skating. The day invites everyone to lace up their skates and experience the magic of the ice.
“This remarkable day brings together individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity to be their authentic selves and to have fun through skating,” said Pat Que, Skate Canada’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility Program Manager.
WISD is also a perfect opportunity for new skaters to develop their skills and discover a love for the sport. To celebrate WISD 2026, Skate Canada was proud to welcome 15 members of Capital Rainbow Refuge to the historic Rideau Hall – some of whom stepped onto the ice for the very first time. The day began with a tour of the Governor General’s residence, allowing participants to learn some of the history of the property and the rink.
The group was joined by two Skate Canada NextGen athletes and two Special Olympics Canada athletes, who delivered performances before volunteer coaches helped guide newcomers onto the ice.
Members of Capital Rainbow Refuge with NextGen skaters.
Building Community Through Skating
Capital Rainbow Refuge supports queer refugees in Ottawa by sponsoring individuals from countries where being queer is criminalized and helping newcomers integrate into Canadian society through community events.
As one of Canada’s most beloved sports and an important part of its cultural fabric, skating offered a meaningful way to connect.
“It’s been incredible,” shared Mauricio Oviedo, the Service and Partnership Coordinator at Capital Rainbow Refuge. “Not many newcomers have the opportunity to come into these spaces. They were able to learn something new today and build community, and that’s exactly what we want to provide for our clients.”
Finding a Home on the Ice
The event showcased the many ways people connect with skating. NextGen athlete Reese Rose first discovered skating on the Rideau Canal with her family. After enrolling in CanSkate, she quickly found peace on the ice.
“Years later, I feel the same way,” Reese shared. “When I’m out there on the ice, I’m in my own world. Skating is so special. I don’t know what my life would be without it.”
Fellow NextGen athlete Fée Ann Landry grew up surrounded by skating. With a mother who was a figure skater and a father who played professional hockey, the sport was part of her life from the very beginning.
“I eventually fell in love with skating and decided to stick with it,” she shared.
Fée Ann Landry (left) and Michael Raytchev (right) performing at Rideau Hall.
A Shared Love for the Sport
For Reese, skating offers a powerful balance. “It’s the feeling of freedom – the feeling of being graceful, but also strong and powerful.”
Michael Raytchev, a Special Olympics athlete, echoed that sentiment. “My favorite part of skating is freedom on the ice. Doing the sequences or moves feels very rewarding, and it feels great to be out there.”
Others are motivated by the challenge. “My favorite thing about the sport is pushing myself,” Fée Ann shared. “Always getting better and learning new things, even when it’s hard.”
Katie Xu, another Special Olympics athlete, highlighted the community aspect. “I like to make friends, meet new people, be part of a team, and have fun doing a sport.”
The Benefits of Skating
Skating offers both physical and mental benefits. “It’s such a fun sport, but it also challenges you,” shared Amber Brennan, a member of Skate Canada’s Indigenous Community Consultation Group. “It strengthens the brain-body connection and is a great form of exercise.”
For many athletes, skating also opens doors to new experiences. “Meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, and skating in huge rinks in front of so many people is a surreal experience,” Michael shared about competing internationally.
Members of Capital Rainbow Refuge skating.
Skating is For Everyone
Events like World Ice Skating Day reflect Skate Canada’s core values and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Skating is more than a sport, it’s a community.
No matter where you start, there’s a place for everyone in skating.
“What we believe at Skate Canada is that you can skate for life. We are happy that our youngest kids get on the ice and those who are the most mature in society get to skate with us,” stated Skate Canada CEO, Debra Armstrong.
Initiatives like the partnership with Capital Rainbow Refuge help break down barriers and create opportunities for people who may not yet see themselves reflected in the skating world. By bringing skaters, coaches, volunteers, and community members together, these shared moments strengthen the sport and reinforce that the ice is a place where everyone belongs.