"I've been keeping my mouth shut for awhile about this problem that seems to be on going in our sport. I'm pretty sure you guys realize that this sport doesn't have as many people in it as say, soccer or basketball. It's not that well known nor do a lot of people actually commit to it because of the dedication required. I've noticed a lot of rude and nasty things going on between multiple teams and I think it's ridiculous. As skaters we should all be encouraging EACH OTHER, not trying to convince someone to stop skating because they've gotten faster than you or spread rumors about someone because you don't like their team. Yes, we are on different teams but that doesn't mean we can't treat each other with RESPECT. We should be trying to build this sport and show people that it's an amazing thing to do, because it is. We should be encouraging our team mates and people not on our team. Being on a team shouldn't limit you to who you can and cannot talk to, we are all in this together and we all need to start acting like it and don't get me wrong, I've met some amazing people and some of my closest friends through this sport, but this is just something we all need to work on."
These are heart felt words from a skater that just wants to enjoy the sport and do well! The respect for our fellow skaters starts from the top down! And when I say top I mean USARS, rink owners, sponsors, coaches, parents, mentors, fellow skaters and spectators. How are we going to grow this sport if we can't even come together and support each other? I think this is one of the most beautiful sports around. The dedication that it takes to push yourself at each practice, to push yourself to train outside of practice is amazing and then to watch my daughter compete on the floor makes me proud no matter her placement.
I hope we can turn the negativity in this sport around and move it in a positive direction, because everyone in this sport deserves it. Everyone involved in this sport no matter how little I thank you and I challenge you take the time to say or post one positive thing about this sport. If we do that, it will multiply and hopefully rid us of the negativity. When that happens, we will then be able to move forward and grow the sport again.
Thank you!
