Nordiq Alberta updates Technical Package to include Non-Binary athletes

Nordiq Alberta is proud to announce the addition of the Non-Binary* category within our 2022/2023 Technical Package.

Nordiq Alberta joins a growing number of organizations, including Biathlon Alberta, adding a Non-Binary category, ensuring people of all genders have the ability to participate. The Non-Binary option has been added within the sport category. The Sport Category is a recreational opportunity for all to participate in Nordiq Alberta events. This category is timed but there is no age limit (recommended to be 14 years of age or older), it is not ranked, and there are no awards or medals. This category is for any age and skill level to race together, such as friends or family members from different age categories.  Adding the opportunity for non-binary athletes to participate in the sport category is a first step towards making cross country a more inclusive sport for all.

This change has been implemented to follow our Inclusion Policy which states "Nordiq Alberta (NA) is committed to providing inclusive, equitable and accessible opportunities for all individuals who wish to be involved in the sport of cross-country skiing in Alberta, regardless of age, sexual characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, race, ethnicity, family or marital status or religion. Individuals may be involved in cross-country skiing as recreationalists, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers or staff." This update follows the principles of access, equity and inclusion as key considerations when developing, delivering or updating programming and projects and are intended to facilitate participation of all interested persons.

Although this is a positive step forward we know there are further updates, changes, and developments that Nordiq Alberta can take towards inclusion. We welcome any and all feedback, questions, and comments in regards to this change and ideas for future.

 *As outlined in Biathlon Canada's Gender Inclusion Information & FAQ document, Non-Binary is defined as an umbrella term used to describe any gender identity that does not fit into the gender binary of cisgender/transgender man or cisgender/transgender woman.