Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Alta. donates $5,000 to Skate Global Foundation

The non-profit organization, co-founded by Elladj Balde, figure skating icon—renowned for his advocacy for inclusivity within the sport, fostering equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), promoting mental health awareness and addressing climate change.

"We've been captivated by videos Elladj Balde has shared skating across lakes throughout the Alberta Rockies, continuously awestruck by the joy and soul he infuses into his artistic expression of the sport,” says Liz Hovey-Smith, general manager, Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. “In addition to him being a long-awaited guest of ours, we are honoured to have his team shoot an authentic reel showcasing his talents on our pond, against the backdrop of our Lodge and surroundings. Furthermore, The Lodge fully aligns with his mission to foster inclusivity in the sport and it felt essential to support SGF. We are excited to build upon our relationship with Elladj and his team for years to come.”

“I am deeply grateful for the generosity of this donation, as it will directly influence the lives of young BIPOC athletes, empowering them to overcome obstacles and strive for excellence in figure skating,” says Balde. “Together, we can empower and uplift racially marginalized youth facing barriers in the sport and inspire competitive BIPOC skaters to reach their goals and achieve their dreams while simultaneously creating more representation within the sport for future generations.”

The Lodge is esteemed for offering connections to year-round activities for both individuals and families, with ice skating on the resort’s pond, sourced from nearby glaciers, standing as a cherished tradition since 1980. Managed by The Lodge on behalf of Alberta Parks, this pond serves as a sanctuary for thousands of visitors during each winter season.