A group of figure skaters has written an open letter to Skate Canada and the Minister of Sport alleging abuse by coaches at Champs International Skating Centre of B.C. in Burnaby. The letter includes claims of unsafe training, being pushed and shoved, slander, bribery, body-shaming and being locked in a dressing room.
One of the skaters who signed the letter, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of retribution, described experiencing physical, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse for many years. She said she believed it was normal to be yelled at and feel terrified as a child training in figure skating.
Skate Canada has responded to the allegations, stating they have not previously received any complaints or communications regarding the matter. The organization has referred the allegations to Skate-Safe, a third-party entity that will investigate the claims.
The group, called Figure Skating for Change Canada, is urging change in the Canadian sports system, which they claim has been plagued by turmoil for over a year. Skater A, as the anonymous victim is called, believes that the government needs to address the issue, which is causing long-lasting harm to children. Champs International Skating Centre of B.C. has not yet commented on the allegations.