Pro Team Calgary is developing a professional sponsorship team designed to support speed skaters by providing paid opportunities to pursue their sport, shifting away from the current system where athletes or their federations cover program participation costs.
Schaatsen.nl, a Dutch sports news outlet, reports on the team’s plans and ambitions.
The team is still evolving, but its clear ambition is to create an international team with diverse nationalities that attracts global visibility and investment. The current model requires the athletes or their governing bodies to finance their involvement, which the organizers intend to reverse by securing international partners willing to invest in a team with worldwide presence.
Beyond striving for competitive success, Pro Team Calgary emphasizes personal growth, cultural exchange, and enjoyment. According to spokesperson Schouten, gaining daily satisfaction from training and competing is fundamental. The team prioritizes creating an environment that fosters learning and collaboration among athletes from different countries, citing the positive atmosphere experienced the previous year as a key example.
Another objective is to support skaters from countries lacking proper infrastructure or coaching resources, such as Greece and Denmark. The team aims to provide foundational assistance to help these athletes develop. Schouten refers to this approach as a “light disruption” of the existing system, seeking cooperation rather than confrontation within the speed skating community.
