Christmas has arrived early for skaters with the news that Sport Australia will be investing in Skate Australia for the first time since 2015.
The resources will help skaters throughout Australia be part of developing a new national strategy for skate sports and create a new website so aspiring skaters can easily find a Club, facility or lesson provider.
Funds will also be made available to Clubs to run Come and Try Days so everyone who started skating in lockdowns can have a go at speed skating, inline hockey, roller derby, artistic skating, rink hockey or competitive skateboarding.
"We believe there's close to a million skaters in Australia right now," said Executive Director Ariane de Rooy. "There's a huge number of Facebook groups and Instagram legends but until now we haven't had the resources to be as organised as the major sports."
"This investment from Sport Australia and the Federal government is a welcome boost. Skating has supported both the mental and physical health of thousands of people during lockdowns and is one of most diverse and inclusive sports in Australia.
We welcome people of all genders, ages and backgrounds, but skaters need more facilities, more events, more coaches and more ways to improve their skills. They want to stop competing with pedestrians for footpath space and start skating together as a community on dedicated outdoor rinks," said de Rooy.
"Thanks to the support of Sport Australia, we're looking forward to hearing from skaters through our national engagement activities in 2022, and delivering a better deal over the next five years."