WATCH — From hockey to figure skating, Akim Aliu talks racism in sports
Plus: How to call a game featuring a soccer-playing moose
The world of sports is mostly meant to entertain, and KN Sports with Abigail and Arjun is no exception.
Especially when the two avid sports fans are testing their skills at calling games and suddenly a moose kicking a soccer ball is on the field.
But in this week’s episode, the hosts also took some time to speak to a pro athlete with an important message.
The pair interviewed Akim Aliu, a Nigerian-born Canadian hockey player who was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2007 and played seven games with the Calgary Flames from 2011-2013.
Akim Aliu of the Calgary Flames skates with the puck against the Edmonton Oilers during an NHL game in April 2013. (Image credit: Derek Leung/Getty Images)
He has spoken out about being the victim of racism during his hockey career, including while with the Flames.
Now he’s on CBC’s Battle of the Blades and is using that platform to “spread my message and what I’m trying to do in the game of hockey and people in society with racial inequality,” he told Abigail and Arjun.
“I want to be someone who inspires people to speak on what they believe in,” he added.
Former competitive pairs figure skater Vanessa James has teamed up with hockey player Akim Aliu on this season’s Battle of the Blades on CBC. (Image credit: CBC)
High-profile athletes are popular, and people follow their leads, Aliu said.
That’s why so many pro sports games were delayed for the Black Lives Matter movement in August.
Make sure to check out the most recent episode of KN Sports with Abigail and Arjun to find out:
- Which highlight of the week was voted number one?
- Who wins this week’s sports quiz?
- Who can call a soccer-playing moose better?
TOP IMAGE CREDIT: Philip Street/CBC
About the Contributor
