Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton and Luge Canada Announce Plan to Unite Canada’s Sliding Sports
CALGARY— Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton and Luge Canada have signed an agreement to bring the two organizations together as one national sport organization for Canada’s three sliding sports – bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton – marking the first merger of national sport organizations in Canada in response to the Government of Canada’s Playground to Podium vision.
The agreement represents a significant step in the modernization of Canada’s sport system, aligning with the Government of Canada’s efforts to strengthen the national sport system through greater collaboration, efficiency and sustainability. It also responds directly to the Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s recommendation to explore amalgamation among national sport organizations where opportunities exist to create stronger, more sustainable organizations.
The proposed merger will bring together the resources, expertise and leadership of Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton and Luge Canada with the shared objective of building a stronger foundation for athletes, coaches, clubs, and members, while creating greater capacity to grow participation, develop talent and pursue podium performances in a healthy and supportive environment for Canada.
“This is about building something stronger together while preserving what makes each sport special,” said Tim Farstad, executive director of Luge Canada. “Luge, bobsleigh and skeleton each have their own culture, history and community. We want to carry those identities forward, learn from what each sport does well, and bring their strengths together to create something even better for athletes, coaches and the broader sliding community.”
The agreement represents an important step in creating the structure required to support Canadian athletes from participation through to the international podium.
“Canada’s sport system is changing, and we would rather lead that change than wait for it,” said Kien Tran, chief executive officer, Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton. “Bringing our organizations together creates efficiencies, gives us greater scale and strengthens our ability to attract investment and partnerships. Ultimately, that means more capacity to invest in our athletes, coaches and programs and build a stronger future for Canadian sliding sports.”
The agreement establishes a joint process focused on the key elements required to bring the organizations together, including: the legal structure; governance and organizational structure; high-performance and athlete development; name and brand; financial structure; and integration plan. Subject to the necessary Board and membership approvals, the combined organization’s goal is to begin operations in spring 2027.
The organizations will continue to engage athletes, coaches, clubs, members, staff and other partners throughout the process to ensure their perspectives help shape the future organization.
The initiative comes at a significant time for Canadian sport. The Government of Canada has made the modernization of Canada’s sport system a priority, including a $1-billion investment in sport announced in April by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Secretary of State (Sport) Adam van Koeverden. The investment is intended to strengthen Canada’s sport system and support athletes and organizations across the country.
As part of that broader investment, the Government of Canada has also provided $112 million in new federal funding for Canadian sport this year. Additionally, this includes an over $1.5 million this year to Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton and Luge Canada to support the work required to bring the organizations together and establish a unified national sport organization, while maintaining support for the athletes, coaches and programs that underpin Canada's sliding sports. This brings the total 2026-27 funding for Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton and Luge Canada to almost $3 million.
“Sport has the power to shape lives and connect people in ways that very few things can. It’s in our DNA as Canadians, and we’re working directly with National Sport Organizations to build on that legacy. Today’s merger between Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton and Luge Canada is another step forward, and it’s only the beginning. By aligning efforts and integrating expertise and resources, we can create more opportunities for athletes to pursue excellence and strengthen Canada’s sport system. We applaud both organizations for leading the way; we’re proud to support this new alignment with an investment that will help deliver more for sport and for athletes. Together, we’re Building Canada Strong through sport,” said The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport).
Together, bobsleigh, skeleton and luge have produced 17 Olympic medals for Canada – seven gold, four silver and six bronze.
Additional Athlete Quotes:
“The sliding sport community is a relatively small and a tight knit community that often connects with each other for support and perspective. In skeleton, we recently hired a new coach, Rob Fegg, who was previously the head coach of Luge Canada. We are already seeing the benefits of this addition. Our sport is constantly changing and evolving, and bringing in someone with a different perspective is exactly what we needed to continue to grow and develop. This is just one example of how sliding sports can benefit each other. I think this merger is the beginning of a bright future for Canada’s sliding sports. It opens up opportunities for collaboration that can help athletes and coaches at all levels of our sport.”
…Hallie Clarke – Canadian Skeleton Team
“I’m really excited about what this merger could mean for the future of luge in Canada! I’ve seen firsthand the passion and dedication within our sport, but also the challenges that come with limited resources and visibility. I believe bringing our sports together will give luge a stronger voice, create more opportunities, and help provide our athletes the support they deserve to succeed.”
… Caitlin Nash – Canadian Luge Team
“Coming to bobsleigh from rugby through RBC Training Ground, I’m proof of the impact that being exposed to different sports and opportunities can have on an athlete’s journey. Sometimes, you have to be willing to test yourself, take an open door and see where it leads. Bringing bobsleigh, skeleton and luge together creates more opportunities for athletes to learn from one another, share new ideas and find different ways to train and prepare. As a newer athlete in the sliding sports, I can already see the value in working with luge athletes and sharing perspectives on the track and our runs. We’re small teams that have to make the most of the people and resources available to us, and bringing these three sports together creates more opportunities to do exactly that. It’s about strengthening athlete development and helping all three sports get better together.”
.... Charlotte Ross – Canadian Bobsleigh Team