Let’s Skate: Making Ice Skating More Inclusive
- britishiceskating
- 1 hour ago
- 5 min read
British Ice Skating’s Let’s Skate project, launched in 2024 thanks to a major investment from Sport England, aims to grow the opportunities for disabled people to participate in ice skating.
Thanks to the hard work of many clubs, organisations and individuals across the UK the disabled skating community has been growing for many years, and we’re excited to build on this progress to continue making ice skating a sport that’s accessible for all.
What is Let’s Skate?
Let’s Skate is the banner for our work focusing on ice skating accessibility for disabled individuals. From growing the number of inclusive skating sessions at rinks across the UK, to providing more ways for disabled skaters and skating fans to compete, volunteer and further participate in the ice skating community, we’ve got big plans!
The significant funding from Sport England will support these initiatives across England, though we’ll also be promoting broader UK opportunities where appropriate.
Who are the Let’s Skate team?
Let’s Skate is being delivered by a passionate team of BIS staff, working in collaboration with committed volunteers and a network of fantastic partner organisations. Meet the team:
Andy Hibberd
My role at British Ice Skating is EDI and Community Lead; I have a passion for promoting equality and inclusion and have always been heavily involved in sport as a sportsperson, coach and fan. British Ice Skating have set Equality, Diversity and Inclusion as priority for our sport to move forward and this is the start to many great initiatives and projects.
We must make ice skating a more accessible and inclusive place where everyone can enjoy the great benefits ice skating and physical activity has to offer in the right environment.
Keith Hudson
Millie Kelman-Johns
Dan Rodenby
What’s happened so far?
Inclusive Skating Sessions
A number of ice rinks and clubs have signed up to the Let’s Skate project to deliver new inclusive ice skating sessions. We’re supporting them in the planning of their sessions, acquiring specialised equipment, providing training for their coaches and advising on making the rinks themselves more accessible.
We hope to announce further rinks joining the Let’s Skate project with their own inclusive sessions soon – keep an eye on the Let’s Skate webpage and our social channels for the latest news.
Inclusive Competitions
Listening & Learning
Collaboration & Support
Training & Education
Where can I take part in Let’s Skate sessions?
So far, Let’s Skate inclusive sessions are planned for the following rinks, with more details coming soon. Check back on our Let’s Skate page for updates as more rinks and clubs sign up!
Bradford Ice Arena:
Coming in June 2025: Weekly 30 minute skating session with a coffee catch up afterwards.
Oxford Ice Rink:
Launching on Monday 2 June 2025, these sessions will run every Monday from 14:30pm to 15:45pm, open to anyone with a disability or long-term health condition.
Ice Sheffield:
Inclusive Skating Sessions - Mondays (term time) 13:20-14:20 Come and give it a go - try curling, skating or sledge hockey, all in one session!
Inclusive Lessons - Tuesdays 18:00-18:30/18:30-19:00 & Saturdays 08:15-08:45
Inclusive Skate UK lessons with Level 2 qualified coach to work through the Skate UK programme with the assistance of the dispensation model.
Deeside Leisure Centre:
Happening the first Sunday of every month from 12:30pm to 13:15pm. Open to anyone with a disability and their families/carers - find out more.
We’ll also be supporting and promoting previously established inclusive skating sessions, including:
SPICE at Slough Ice Arena:
Every Sunday 11:15 -12:00
We’ll be keeping you updated with the latest news from the Let’s Skate project; check back on our project webpage for updates and follow us on social media:
Comments