Programs Aim to Diversify Winter Sports, but Gaps Persist at Winter Olympics

February 5, 2026

Organizations like the Skate Global Foundation and the National Brotherhood of Snowsports are working to increase diversity in winter sports by providing financial support and access to underserved communities seeking Olympic-level competition. The high costs of winter sports—including resort access, equipment, and elite training academies that can cost tens of thousands of dollars—create significant barriers for athletes of color trying to reach Olympic competition. While participation rates among Hispanic and Asian Pacific Islander communities have grown in recent seasons, these increases are not yet translating into diverse representation on Olympic teams, with Team USA's winter sports rosters remaining predominantly white.

Who is affected

Athletes of color, particularly Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Asian Pacific Islander winter sports participants
Underserved communities lacking access to winter sports facilities and training
Young skaters, skiers, and snowboarders seeking Olympic-level competition paths
Team USA winter sports rosters (Alpine skiing, figure skating, hockey)
Athletes from African and Caribbean nations competing at Winter Olympics
Specific athletes mentioned: Elladj Baldé (former Canadian figure skater), Laila Edwards (first Black woman on U.S. Olympic hockey team), Erin Jackson (speedskater), Donovan Carrillo (Mexico figure skater), Nicole Silveira (Brazil skeleton athlete), Ana Alonso Rodriguez (Spain ski mountaineering)
Countries making Winter Olympic debuts: Benin, Guinea-Bissau, and United Arab Emirates
White participants in winter sports (experiencing declining participation numbers)

What action is being taken

Skate Global Foundation is offering $3,000 grants to skaters of color in Canada who are on a path to Olympic competition
National Brotherhood of Snowsports (with 7,000 members across 62 clubs) is providing scholarships covering coaching, tuition, competition, travel, and lodging fees
Canadian Ski Council is running a "go skiing, go snowboarding" initiative to help families feel at home on slopes
International Olympic Committee's Olympic Solidarity program is offering monthly grants covering training, equipment, travel, and qualification event participation (447 athletes received scholarships for the current Games)
Edge Outdoors nonprofit is bringing women of color to winter sports, with Erin Jackson helping review scholarship applications
Multiple organizations are working to create accessibility to slopes for underserved communities

Why it matters

The lack of diversity in winter sports at the Olympic level perpetuates barriers for underrepresented communities despite growing grassroots participation. Representation matters significantly—young athletes need to see people who look like them succeeding at elite levels to believe they belong in these sports. The high costs of winter sports create systemic inequities that prevent talented athletes of color from accessing the intensive training necessary to reach Olympic competition, even as participation rates among Hispanic and Asian Pacific Islander communities are increasing. Without intentional intervention through scholarships and support programs, the financial barriers will continue to exclude diverse athletes from reaching their full potential. Breaking down these barriers can inspire future generations and fundamentally change the demographics of winter sports competition globally.

What's next

Athletes are preparing to gather next month for the Milan Cortina Games. Erin Jackson plans to start an organization to help provide funding for diversity initiatives when she retires from speedskating. Organizations aim to develop athletes from recreational-level participation to an Olympic path for future Games.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint