U.S. Figure Skating announced the two additional recipients of the Mabel Fairbanks Skatingly Yours Fund in the Up and Coming, and Developmental categories. Established in January 2021, the fund will support the training and development of promising figure skaters who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC).The two recipients join Starr Andrews in the inaugural class of 2020-21. Andrews received the Elite award in January.
Lindsay Thorngren, who placed sixth at the 2021 Toyota U.S. Figure Skating Championships, was selected for the Up and Coming Award of $10,000 to pursue her figure skating goals. Thorngren, the 2020 U.S. junior champion and a member of Team USA and the Ice House of New Jersey Figure Skating Club, impressed the selection committee with her maturity and true commitment to the sport.
“Lindsay’s recent competitive history highlights her potential and how promising her future is in skating,” said Ouida Robins, a selection committee member. “The committee also appreciated that Lindsay looks up to her competitors; to us, it showed that she recognizes the skill set required to be a top-ranked skater in the world and her desire to achieve this goal.”
Samuel Eckenroed, a member of the Dallas Figure Skating Club, was named the recipient of the Developmental Award of $5,000. Eckenroed, an intermediate men’s competitor, was greeted warmly by fellow skaters at his rink upon hearing the news. Several members, including his coaches and U.S. World Team member Ashley Cain-Gribble, created a video to congratulate him. The selection committee was impressed with Eckenroed’s research and knowledge of Mabel Fairbanks, for whom the award is bestowed.
“Samuel had a very strong interview,” Robins said. “His research on Mabel was remarkable. Samuel also demonstrated a true appreciation of the award and the assistance it would provide him in reaching an elite level in figure skating. He could be a wonderful future ambassador for U.S. Figure Skating."
The Mabel Fairbanks Skatingly Yours Fund, which will grant three annual awards, was made possible through a generous lead gift by the Lisa McGraw Figure Skating Foundation. The Fund’s purpose is to help BIPOC athletes in all disciplines realize and achieve their maximum athletic potential, focusing on athletes who demonstrate and emphasize the attributes of good sportsmanship, commitment, perseverance and determination in striving to be their very best in the sport and in their off-ice pursuits. A selection committee comprised of members of the Mabel Fairbanks Disciples group, Lisa McGraw Figure Skating Foundation and U.S. Figure Skating’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force will annually consider a pool of applicants and nominees.
