The Athlete Impact Award for Community Champion of the Year recognizes an athlete whose impact on their community positively influences those around them both on and off ice. Established in 2022, this award recognizes an athlete’s contributions to sport and the broader community, in alignment with Speed Skating Canada’s values.

Important Change for 2025-26

The Community Champion of the Year Award has been suspended and will not be awarded for the foreseeable future. The eligibility and selection criteria for this award overlaps significantly with the recently created Intact Impact Award, which will continue to exist until at least the end of the 2029-30 seasons part of Intact Insurance’s renewed partnerships agreement.

Nominees for the Athlete Impact Award for Community Champion of the Year must demonstrate their impact through one or more of the following actions:

• Makes a meaningful contribution to their community through their actions off-ice
• Promotes a respectful and inclusive environment within the sport of speed skating
• Demonstrates strong leadership and sportsmanship
• Contributes new ideas to overcome challenges or promote collaboration

To be considered for the Athlete Impact Award for Community Champion of the Year, athletes must be registered with a speed skating club across Canada in the current season.

Individuals may only receive the Athlete Impact Award once. A maximum of one (1) winner will be selected for the award in a given year.