May 1-3, 2026
Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale
The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN), now recognized as a Multisport Organization (MSO), is proud to present the 4th Annual National Diversity in Sports Conference, taking place May 1–3, 2026, at the Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale.
This year's theme is:
Last year, we centred Sport for All—a call to remove barriers and expand access. This year, we go deeper.
Ubuntu is a Southern African philosophy rooted in collective humanity, interconnectedness, and shared responsibility. In sport, it reminds us that progress is never individual—it is built through relationships, community, and collective action.
At the Diversity in Sports Conference, Ubuntu reflects our belief that inclusion, equity, and belonging are not achieved in isolation. They are created when athletes, coaches, administrators, organizations, governments, and communities work together to reshape systems and reimagine sport.
Ticket Pricing
This conference is open to ALL individuals passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in Canadian sport, regardless of background or experience, including national and provincial/territorial sport organizations, community groups, coaches and officials, administrators, municipalities, researchers, students, and more. Join us for three days of learning, connection and inclusion!
General Admission
Groups of 5 or more – $150
Early Bird – $200 (ends Dec 31, 11:59 PM ET)
Regular – $300
Late – $400
Discounted Rates Available
Grassroots/Community Organizations – $150
Students – $100
Researchers/Academics – $200
Please contact info@inclusionincanadiansports.ca for discounted rates. The above prices do not include taxes + processing fees.
Emerging BIPOC Leaders (18-30)
The conference features the Emerging BIPOC Leaders program, a dedicated stream for individuals aged 18–30 who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Colour, offering them the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and develop leadership skills.
Tickets for the Emerging BIPOC Leaders program are available only to those who have received an official offer to participate. Information on how to apply will be shared in the future.
Meet the Experts Driving Change at DISC 2026
The 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC) is thrilled to feature a dynamic group of experts who are passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in sport.
This year’s conference offers a unique blend of insightful presentations and interactive workshops, providing attendees with both knowledge and practical tools to create a more inclusive sport environment.
Our esteemed speakers, presenters, and facilitators include:
- Keynote: Zechariah Thomas (Swift Hockey)
- Featured:
- Lindsay Lobb (Canadian Centre for Child Protection)
- Archie Allison (Variety Village)
- Maame De-Heer (IDEAS Research Lab)
- Ryan Storr (Proud 2 Play/The DiversityStarr)
- Sabrina Razack (Centre for Sport and Human Rights)
- Dawn Trussell, Jennifer Mooradian, Shannon Kerwi, and Nwakerendu Waboso (Sail Lab)
- Victoria Wicks (Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC))
- Greg Henhawk, Mataya Jim, and Kabir Hosein (Sport for Life)
- Noorzai Ibrahimi and Saska Benedicic Tomat (ICSA and Skateistan)
- Taylor Rowe and Kimberley Curtin (CO Play)
- Denise Biziaev (Tiger Skate Club)
- MC/Host: Arash Madani (National Sports Broadcaster)
This diverse group of experts will share their knowledge, insights, and best practices to help attendees create meaningful change in their respective sport communities.
We’re honoured to welcome Zechariah Thomas as a keynote speaker at the 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC)!
Zechariah Thomas is a 23-year-old Canadian-Jamaican entrepreneur and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree who founded Swift Hockey, a performance hockey equipment brand built without venture capital or celebrity backing. Operating in a traditionally exclusive sport, Zechariah navigated limited access, high barriers to entry, and early skepticism to build a competitive consumer brand. Today, he speaks to organizations and students about leadership, ownership, and building confidence in spaces where representation is limited.
We’re excited to welcome Lindsay Lobb as a speaker at the 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference!
Lindsay Lobb is the Director of Operations – Support Services at the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) where she helps lead a team of staff that support the victims of online sexual exploitation who have connected with C3P. Lindsay joined the agency in 2008 as a missing children caseworker, and later was named the case management supervisor. In 2016, Lindsay became C3P’s Policing Relations Liaison, working with law enforcement agencies to implement agreements, deliver training and information sessions, and promote the use of C3P child safety resources. She continues to provide leadership to our missing children support services and to advance policing relations across Canada.
Before joining C3P, Lindsay worked as a social worker in child protection in Ontario and Manitoba. She regularly presents across Canada to police, child welfare, and victim services.
We’re excited to welcome Archie Allison as a speaker at the 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference!
Throughout his career at Variety Village Archie has assisted in creating numerous innovative accessible and inclusive physical activities, sport/ recreation interests for children with disabilities and their peers.
Archie participates on several volunteer committees devoted to the inclusion and advocacy of those with disabilities including Board of Directors, Accessibility Committees, events, and tournament organizing committees and community outreach initiatives. He currently is a member of the Board of Directors for the Toronto Pan Am Sport Centre, Power Hockey Canada and Soccability Canada.
We’re excited to welcome Maame De-Heer as a speaker at the 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference!
Maame De-Heer leads community-engaged research with national and provincial sport organizations and teaches Diversity & Health at Brock University. Through research, policy, and practice, Maame advances inclusive governance models that center marginalized communities and strengthen athlete pathways. She is passionate about translating equity frameworks into actionable strategies that create measurable, system-level impact.
We’re excited to welcome Ryan Storr as a speaker at the 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference!
Dr Storr is the co-founder of Proud2Play, the peak body for LGBTIQA+ inclusion in sport and active recreation in Victoria, Australia.
Through his consultancy, The Diversity Storr, Dr Storr advises government departments, elite sport bodies, and community organizations on inclusive policy development, strategic planning, education, and impact evaluation.
We’re excited to welcome Sabrina Razack as a speaker at the 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference!
Sabrina Razack is an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. She is an award-winning curriculum writer and has worked with Canadian Women & Sport, the Pan/Parapan American Games, and the Toronto District School Board. As the senior project lead for Canada at the Centre for Sport and Human Rights, Sabrina is spearheading initiatives for the upcoming FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2026 in collaboration with the other host countries in the United States and Mexico.
We’re excited to welcome Dawn Trussell, Jennifer Mooradian, Shannon Kerwi, and Nwakerendu Waboso as speakers at the 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference!
“We are a dynamic team of educators and researchers working together through the Sport Allyship and Inclusion Lab (SAIL) at Brock University. With decades of combined experience across a wide range of disciplines we bring both depth and breadth to our work. Our team is committed to turning research into meaningful action. Guided by strong values and real-world experience, we bridge academic knowledge with practical ideas that support equity and inclusion in sport. Our intersectional identities and diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of inclusion and allow us to respond thoughtfully to the realities of today’s sport environments.”
We’re excited to welcome Victoria Wicks as a speaker at the 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference!
Victoria has built a dynamic career in Project Management, specialising in operational excellence, process improvement, and strategic planning.
Her experience spans the tourism and service industries, event production, media and entertainment, and the nonprofit sector, where she has managed complex projects, forged high-level partnerships, and championed diversity and inclusion initiatives. Known for her adaptability, creativity, and people-focused approach, Victoria thrives in dynamic environments, ensuring every project she leads is executed with precision and impact.
We’re excited to welcome Noorzai Ibrahimi as a speaker at the 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference!
Noorzai Ibrahimi is a program manager and practitioner with over 13 years of experience working with refugee and displaced communities through sport, education, and youth development initiatives across different regions. He has been involved in designing and supporting programs that promote social inclusion, youth empowerment, and community engagement, particularly in remote and underserved contexts. Through his work, he has supported initiatives that connect young people to safe learning environments and opportunities for leadership and personal development. Currently based in Ottawa, Canada, Noorzai continues to contribute to programs that use sport as a tool for inclusion, resilience, and community development.
We’re excited to welcome Saska Benedicic Tomat as a speaker at the 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference!
Saska is the Head of Projects at ISCA, bringing extensive experience in project management and international collaboration. She specialises in stakeholder mapping, fostering inclusion and integration, and developing impactful training programmes and projects. With a strong focus on connecting people and ideas, she drives initiatives that support collaboration and meaningful engagement across diverse communities.
We’re excited to welcome Taylor Rowe as a speaker at the 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference!
Taylor Rowe is a second-year doctoral candidate in Applied Health Sciences at Brock University. Her research explores newcomer girls’ experiences in sport and physical activity, focusing on the psychological and social factors that shape participation, belonging, and engagement in movement. Using qualitative and mixed-method approaches, she works with community organizations to better understand barriers and opportunities within recreation systems. Taylor is also involved with the CO-PLAY Network, supporting efforts to advance equitable access to physical activity for newcomer youth in Hamilton, Ontario. Her work aims to amplify newcomer voices and inform the development of inclusive programs and policies that support diverse young people’s participation.
We’re excited to welcome Kimberley Curtin as a speaker at the 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference!
Kimberley Curtin is the project manager and research associate for CO-PLAY. She has a PhD in Behavioural Medicine, and expertise in sport and exercise psychology, healthy policy, health equity, and chronic disease prevention.
We’re excited to welcome Greg Henhawk as a speaker at the 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference!
Greg Henhawk is a Mohawk of the Bear Clan from Six Nations of the Grand River FN in Southern Ontario. A Retired Secondary School teacher, for 32 years he instructed Physical Education and Science and served as the Department Head of Physical Education. His final 7 years of teaching were spent on Six Nations in the “Alternative Education program: School Within a College”. A program that assisted “at-risk young adults” with completing their high school diploma and at the same time earning College credits towards a career. Greg led the adaptation of the program for Indigenous students. Greg is presently a consultant for Leadership/Coaching Training;
Indigenous Cultural Awareness and Reconciliation. He is a Lead Mentor for Sport for Life consulting on Indigenous Projects.
We’re excited to welcome Mataya Jim as a speaker at the 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference!
Mataya Jim is the Manager of Indigenous Engagement at Sport for Life. She is a W̱SÁNEĆ woman from the W,SIKEM community with ties to Penálaxeth’ & Wwaayaa. Mataya has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Victoria studying Sociology and Indigenous Studies. The majority of her previous work has been within Indigenous communities. Mataya feels privileged to have worked within First Nation communities planning and coordinating community engagement, summer recreation programs, and events. Additionally, Mataya has worked and volunteered with children and youth through girls’ groups and soccer teams. During her time at university she was on the Native Student Union Council and volunteered in student mentorship positions. She enjoys engaging in projects that bring people together and celebrate successes. Outside of work Mataya is a very family-oriented person. She enjoys family time at the beaches of Vancouver Island, supporting community soccer, and cozying up with a good book.
We’re excited to welcome Kabir Hosein as a speaker at the 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference!
Kabir Hosein is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Sport for Life. A father of four very active kids and from the Caribbean, Kabir was a leader in the Athletics Association and Olympic movement in Trinidad and Tobago. Since joining Sport for Life, he has been an integral part of the organization’s management, bringing his experiences in sport and physical activity as a Newcomer to Canada into his work. Kabir takes time to build relationships and co-create initiatives that reflect his values of “physical activity and sport for everyone can create a sense of belonging.”
We’re excited to welcome Denise Biziaev as a speaker at the 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference!
Denise is a seasoned leader with decades of experience across the public and private sectors, including over 10 years in post-secondary education and college administration. A former Dean of Students and adjunct professor, her work centers on community building, mentoring emerging leaders, and cultivating inclusive, collaborative environments.
An active skateboarder, Denise is the co-founder of Tigers Skate Club, an Edmonton-based grassroots community group that expands access to skateboarding for girls, women, gender-diverse communities through events, programming, and mentorship. She has contributed to skateboarding initiatives at the municipal, national and international levels, including program curriculum development for Canada Skateboard, the sport’s national federation.
Denise is also the co-creator and producer of the award-winning short documentary Tigers Skate Club (2025) and a passionate advocate for the transformative power of skateboarding to foster connection, confidence, and community.
We’re excited to present Arash Madani as our Host of the 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference!
Whether it is chronicling the biggest sporting events on the planet, or interviewing the greats to understand what makes living legends tick, Arash Madani has travelled the world to tell the stories of the best on the grandest stages.
Arash’s insights are, in part, a by-product from years of providing coverage at multiple Olympic Games and Super Bowls; Wimbledon to NBA Finals; World Series and FIFA events around the globe. Arash was a sideline reporter on Blue Jays broadcasts for a number of years, and handled rinkside reporting on Hockey Night in Canada.
Arash has had sit-down conversations with the likes of Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Mark Cuban; insights from David Beckham, Usain Bolt and Christine Sinclair. Understanding and telling people’s stories is one of Arash’s fortes. What has helped separate himself from the rest is an ability to build a rapport, putting subjects at ease to have them become so forthcoming and honest during interviews.
Arash was named the country’s best sports broadcaster, but more than that he has had global success as a conference/convention host, moderator and MC.
Featured Organizations
The conference provides a platform for networking and collaboration with like-minded individuals and organizations who are passionate about making a difference in the sports sector.
Our featured Organizations include:
Hands on Rotational Workshops with Global EDI Experts
Gain practical tools and strategies to champion EDI in your sport community through hands-on workshops led by experts in the field.
Key topics:
- Integration of Refugees Through Sport
- Rainbow Ready Clubs & Organizations (LGBTIQA+ inclusion)
- How to develop LGBTIQA+ inclusive cultures and practices in sport
- Non-Discrimination
- Access to careers
- Managing the Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Images in Youth Sport
- From Policy to Play: Building Equitable & Data-Driven Sport Systems in Canada
- Reimagining DEI in Sport Organizations by Moving Policy to Practice. Are you READII?
- Amplifying youth voices in a national network to support newcomer physical literacy
- The Continuing Journey to Reimagine: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. Indigenous Holistic Thinking applied to this multi-layered and long-term space
- Empowering Allyship in Grassroots Sports Navigating Intersectional Inclusion and Queer Representation in Canadian Sports Organizations
- Connecting with Refugee Communities: Understanding Their Reality and Engaging Them in Program Design!
2026 Schedule
For more information on the Diversity in Sports Conference, visit our website, become a Gamechanger, and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
This conference is open to ALL individuals passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in Canadian sport, regardless of background or experience. We believe in creating an inclusive environment where diverse voices and perspectives can come together to learn and collaborate.
The Emerging BIPOC Leaders program is a specific stream within the conference designed to provide targeted support and development opportunities for young BIPOC individuals who aspire to be leaders in the Canadian sport system. Applications will be open soon!
Currently, racialized individuals are significantly underrepresented in leadership positions within sport. This program aims to address that gap by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and skill-building workshops specifically tailored to the needs and experiences of BIPOC individuals.
Follow our newsletter, website, social media and/or this event page for updates!
No, the conference is in-person only. Due to the interactive nature of the workshops and networking sessions, a virtual attendance option will not be available.
Tickets are final sale, but you may contact info@inclusionincanadiansports.ca to request to transfer your ticket. Please note that transferred tickets must be claimed by March 31, 2026, 11:59 PM ET.
Yes, complimentary parking will be available for all conference attendees.
Yes, a discounted hotel rate of $199.00 will be available for attendees at the conference venue, Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale. Book your room here.
Yes, the Sport for All Scholarship, funded by Visit Mississauga, supports community sport leaders and organizations facing participation barriers. It covers registration, travel, and accommodation. Apply by November 28, 2025, 5 PM ET. Apply here.
