As Debate Around Representation in Women’s Sports Thickens, Skateboarding Club Hosts a Welcome Update

In recent times fairness and representation in women’s sports have been under a constant spotlight. Moreover, sports like swimming, cycling, and track and field have implemented new rules regarding elite women’s competitions. According to the governing bodies of these sports, the new rules prioritize fairness over inclusion.

In the wake of a changing sports landscape, a couple founded a new skateboarding club in Winnipeg, Canada. With the aim of fostering a community, that can become a safe haven for like-minded skaters.

Skaters are revolutionizing skateboarding in Winnipeg

For Em Rafnson, skateboarding came into their life later than most. It wasn’t until the age of 20 that they discovered the exhilaration and freedom that skateboarding offered. But what Rafnson realized was that the skateboarding community they longed for was missing. Particularly one that embraced non-binary and LGBTQ skaters. Determined to create a safe and inclusive space, Rafnson joined forces with partner Maddy Nowosad. In 2020, the couple established the Other Skaters. A groundbreaking non-profit collective comprising like-minded individuals.

The club now looks forward to enabling the next generation of skateboarders—children and youth. They are currently in the second year of their Next Gen program. An initiative that provides a free skateboarding clinic and a safe haven to girls, femme individuals, and non-binary skaters up to 18 years of age. Their inaugural year was quite successful and they are already seeing a remarkable increase in participation this summer. Attracting double the number of enthusiastic skaters as compared to last year.

The inspiring story of their Next Gen program seems to have struck a chord with some young filmmakers who have developed their story into a short film. According to a CBC report, Nowosaid emphasized that “We want to support the next generation of girls, femme and non-binary skaters, with hopes of strengthening community and community building.” While elite sports are still proving difficult to navigate for non-binary individuals, last year an American figure skater made history at the Winter Olympics.

When history was created at the 2022 Winter Olympics

A new record was set in the 2022 Winter Olympics. Around 35 athletes competing in the tournament belonged to the LGBTQ+ community. At the same competition, American figure skater Timothy LeDuc also made history by competing as the first non-binary athlete in any Winter Olympics. Back in 2019, he was also the first openly gay athlete to win a gold medal in a pairs event during the U.S. Championships.

Read more: Shaun White Shows Off Skateboarding Skills While Carrying Girlfriend Nina Dobrev

The impact of Winnipeg’s groundbreaking skateboarding club extends far beyond the realm of skateboarding itself. It aims to represent a powerful symbol of resilience, unity, and progress, as it redefines the narrative surrounding gender and sports.

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