Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton signs on with OSIC; athletes angry about rescheduled AGM

Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton has signed an agreement to join Abuse-Free Sport, the new federal program to prevent and address maltreatment in sport in Canada.

Effective no later than Jan. 17, 2023, complaints of abuse, discrimination and harassment at the national level will go directly to the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC).

The announcement comes a week before the embattled national sport organization resumes its heated annual general meeting that was abruptly adjourned on Sept. 29.

Storey walked out of the AGM in Calgary before any vote on her presidency could be held. The meeting will resume on Nov. 5 in Whistler, B.C.

"A safe training and competitive environment for everyone involved in our sport is Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton's No. 1 priority," Storey said in Friday's OSIC announcement. "We all have an important role to play in ensuring our community is inclusive, welcoming and safe for all to enjoy.

"Today is another important step forward in our organization's commitment to support a national movement to change the culture of sport in this country. As part of that commitment, we're pleased to sign on to Abuse-Free Sport and to soon have the OSIC to administer our safe sport complaints."

WATCH l Bobsleigh and skeleton athletes calling for resignation of two top officials:

During the transition period, BCS said it will fully adopt the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS).

Athletes have responded angrily about the scheduled conclusion of the AGM, saying the date and location hinder athletes' opportunities to participate.

Neville Wright, a three-time Olympian in bobsled, tweeted the "AGM date is set on the day the athletes travel [to competitions]. Official