The initiative, which will be celebrated on December 4, aims to make ice skating sports inclusive, accessible and fun by bringing together professional and amateur athletes regardless of social, economic, and cultural boundaries.

Baldé, a now-retired figure skater who competed from 2006 to 2018, has promoted equity and diversity through his social media videos and live skating performances alongside the Skate Global Foundation.

As the first WISD ambassador, the 31-year-old will encourage people to take up ice skating and will advocate for a diverse and inclusive future in the sport.

"I am excited to be the first global ambassador for the ISU's inaugural World Ice Skating Day," said Baldé.

"Our collective goal to introduce the sport to countries, regions and communities that have yet to be exposed to the sport is something I’m deeply passionate about."

Baldé co-founded the Figure Skating Diversity and Inclusion Alliance as well as the Skate Global Foundation, built around equity, diversity, inclusion, mental health and climate change.

"I recognised a few years ago that being authentic to myself, I could help inspire so many future generations of skaters from all different backgrounds - and if that makes the difference in just one person's life, to feel more accepted, or more inspired to step out of their comfort zone and embrace this sport, than it is all worth it," he added.

"This day, for me, is a way to bring joy around the world, through both my lens and the lens of the ISU."

Baldé's best competitive result on the ice came in the Nebelhorn Trophy in Germany.

He won gold in the 2015 edition which was its second year on the ISU Challenger Series.