Amid the intensity and excitement of the recent ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Boston (USA), one peaceful corner stood out - not for its spotlight, but for its serenity. The Calm Zone, a cozy and welcoming space nestled behind the scenes, became a haven for competing skaters seeking balance, mindfulness, and emotional recharge in the midst of the event’s highs and lows.

Commissioned by ISU President, Jae Youl Kim, and inspired by the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) “Mind Zone” at the Olympic Village, the ISU Calm Zone reflects the organization’s commitment to care for skaters’ mental and emotional well-being - not just their performance - across all ice-skating sports.

Over the week of competitions in Boston, 125 skaters from 12 countries stepped into the ISU Calm Zone. It was a thoughtfully curated environment combining mindfulness tools, opportunities for creative expression, and moments of playful relaxation.

Skaters at the Calm Zone during the 2025 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Boston, USA. © ISU

This year, the Calm Zone carried a deeper meaning. Just two months earlier, the skating world was devastated by the tragic crash of an American Airlines flight in Washington D.C. in January, which claimed the lives of top Figure Skaters from the United States, including some from the Boston Skating Club (read here). The emotional impact on the entire community was profound.

In response, the ISU ensured that dedicated support was available during the Championships. The Boston Red Cross crisis response team and therapy dogs were present throughout the week, offering gentle, immediate care to athletes and team members navigating grief, anxiety, or emotional fatigue.

Skater and a therapy dog at the Calm Zone during the 2025 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Boston, USA. © ISU

🐶 The Stars with Tails

The therapy dogs quickly became the heart of The Calm Zone, offering comfort that words often couldn’t. Their calming presence brought peace to the room and was especially meaningful to those carrying the weight of recent loss.

Skaters discussing with a Boston Red Cross Representative at the Calm Zone during the 2025 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Boston, USA. © ISU

Considering the great success of this initiative, skaters expressed a strong desire to see therapy dogs at every competition in the future.

💬 Space for Support

Several skaters found comfort in casual conversations with crisis response experts from the Boston Red Cross, while others came specifically to talk about their performances and the emotions they evoked. In the early days of the event, just weeks after the crash, the Calm Zone offered a quiet refuge for processing, reflection, and emotional care.

Sofa gathering with a Boston Red Cross representative during the 2025 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Boston, USA. © ISU

🖌️ A Skater-Favorite: Mind Meets Play

The most loved activities?

• Sharing kind messages on colorful post-its
• Coloring intricate mandalas
• Free drawing and "dribbling" ideas
• Building with Legos
• Knitting and collaborating on community projects

Calm Zone area set-up for the 2025 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Boston, USA. © ISU

Artworks made by skaters during the 2025 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Boston, USA. © ISU

Many appreciated the collaborative aspect, where they could contribute to something started by another skater, leaving behind their own thoughts, artwork or words. This act of shared expression helped foster a sense of community and connection beyond the ice. Through these interactions, the initiative nurtured a spirit of support and solidarity, creating a safe and welcoming space for skaters to come together.