Response to Athlete Letter dated March 14, 2022

Global Athlete has been asked to publish this letter on behalf of 87 Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton Athletes.

To the Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton Board of Directors:

Subject: Response to Athlete Letter dated March 14, 2022

21 March 2022: We are disappointed by your lack of response to our March 14, 2022 letter. It has been seven (7) days since Bobsleigh and Skeleton athletes sent an open letter to the Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton (BCS) Board of Directors rejecting your plan for mediation to resolve the very serious matters brought forward by what is now over 85 athletes in respect of physical, mental, emotional, and financial suffering as a result of BCS’ organizational failures.

As detailed in our response of March 14, 2022, the mediation plan put forward is unacceptable. It does nothing to address the very root of the problem, which we believe to be governance and leadership failures. This approach attempts a band-aid solution which is contrary not only to fundamental principles of fairness, but also, is not in alignment to BCS’s own by-laws and policies. In addition, BCS failed to engage or consult with the athletes on the proposed plan, or even when choosing a mediator, once again highlighting its disregard for the athletes and their concerns. With respect, this approach is insensitive and lacks empathy in light of the issues brought forward.

Despite the lack of further communication or clarification from BCS, we want to make our position clear, Bobsleigh and Skeleton athletes stand by our statements of March 7th and 14th. We will continue to outright reject any unilaterally imposed mediation process, where the athletes have no input into the choice of mediator, or a process which does not include the participation of all impacted athletes whether by proxy or their chosen representative.

The athletes believe that mediation will not result in a meaningful resolution until a comprehensive, independent and transparent investigation is conducted into the matters brought forward. We take this opportunity to remind you that the matters brought forward include, but are not limited to: a toxic culture, disregard for safety and athlete well-being, lack of transparency and communication, and inadequate governance. In accordance with safe sport requirements and best practices in Canada, these matters must be investigated. We are confident that the investigation findings will support the complaints brought forward, and from there serve as a platform to re-build with an open mind.

We continue to believe that BCS is not able to move forward to address the athlete concerns in a positive or productive manner with the current leadership, and once again recommend that at the very least, the Board President/acting CEO and High-Performance Director are placed on leave until this process is complete.

Sincerely,

87 Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton Athletes, Past & Present (2014-2022)

Copy to: Canadian Olympic Committee, Own the Podium, Sport Canada, Canadian Minister of Sport

-ENDS-