Charlie Wilcox Emerging Ice Skaters Fund

 

 

On this day, what would have been Charlie Wilcox’s 19th birthday, the Wilcox family have been reflecting on meaningful ways to honour Charlie’s memory and support the continued growth of the sport he loved so deeply.

 

Charlie had a special passion for Ice Dance and made the move to Perth to further pursue his training and development within the sport. During his time here, both Charlie and the Wilcox family felt an incredible level of support, encouragement, and kindness from the skating community. It is because of those experiences that the family would now like to give back, helping future generations of skaters access the same opportunities, support, and sense of community that meant so much to Charlie.

 

Following discussions, the family are currently working towards initiatives that would complement and extend the fantastic work already being undertaken by WAFSC, with a particular focus on Ice Dance initiatives, including Solo Dance development, athlete wellbeing, and creating opportunities for emerging Australian skaters.

 

The proposed initiatives include:

 

1. Free mental health training and support programs for all WAFSC athletes, parents, coaches, figure skaters, and interested club members, helping to foster a safe, healthy, and supportive sporting environment across the broader skating community.
2. A free Ice Dance development camp at Cockburn Ice Arena open to all interested Australian skaters, including Solo Dance athletes, aimed at encouraging participation and growth within the discipline.
3. Capped travel grants for emerging Ice Dancers and Solo Dancers to assist with interstate and international competition opportunities, helping athletes gain valuable experience and exposure.
4. The establishment of an annual fundraising event at Cockburn Ice Arena to help replenish funding and continue Charlie’s legacy for years to come, with the support of WAFSC and the wider skating community.

 

The funding initiatives are intended specifically for the development and growth of Ice Dance, including Solo Ice Dance.

 

These initiatives are still in development, and the family looks forward to working collaboratively with WAFSC and the wider skating community to honour Charlie’s memory in a way that creates a lasting positive impact for future generations of skaters.

 

The Wilcox family sincerely thank everyone for their ongoing support, kindness, and commitment to the skating community, and are excited about the opportunity to work together to further develop the sport of Ice Dance in Australia. 

 

If you would like to continue supporting this fund, donations can be made through the GoFundMe page established by the Wilcox family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-charlie-wilcox-emerging-ice-skaters-fund