
May 2-4, 2025
Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale
Diversity in Sport Conference
Join us for the 3rd Annual Diversity in Sport Conference, presented by the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN)! This exciting event will be held from May 2nd to 4th, 2025.
The Diversity in Sports Conference is an annual event that brings together individuals and organizations from across Canada to learn, connect, and collaborate on creating a more inclusive and equitable amateur sport system. It is a 3-day event that features keynote speakers, workshops, and panel discussions focused on addressing systemic barriers and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in sports.
Registration is OPEN!
We look forward to welcoming you to the Diversity in Sports Conference!
Dates
May 2-4, 2025
Location
Hilton Meadowvale Mississauga
Cost
General admission tickets are $300+tax for three-day conference pass
Group rates
Group Rates Available, contact info@inclusionincanadiansports.ca to receive your code):
Individual ticket: $300 + tax per person
3-4 people: $250 + tax per person
5-9 people: $200 + tax per person
10+ people: $150 + tax per person
Food
Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided
Questions
Inquiries can be forwarded to info@inclusionincanadiansports.ca
Exclusive Hotel Booking Rate for DISC 2025
Enjoy a comfortable and convenient stay at the official conference venue!
Hotel: Hilton Meadowvale Mississauga
Discounted Room Rate: $189.00 + tax per night
Book HERE by March 31st:
- Discounted rate for DISC 2025 attendees.
- Rooms subject to availability. Book early!
Who Should Attend?
This conference is open to everyone who is passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in sports. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and levels of experience.
At the conference, you can expect to gain valuable insights and knowledge from experienced professionals and thought leaders in the field. The conference also provides a platform for networking and collaboration with like-minded individuals and organizations who are passionate about making a difference in the sports sector.
We especially encourage participation from
- Administrators
- Leaders
- Coaches
- Officials
- Academics
- Students
Attendees represent a wide range of sectors, including
- College and university recreation and athletics departments
- High schools
- National and provincial sports organizations
- Grassroots community programs
The impact of the Diversity in Sports Conference is far-reaching. By attending, you’ll be equipped with the tools and resources to create positive change within your own sport communities and contribute to a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. The conference aims to empower individuals and organizations to take action and be a part of the solution in creating a more equitable sport landscape.
Meet the Experts Driving Change at DISC 2025
The 2025 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: Bruny Surin (Sprint Management Inc.)
- Featured:
- Dr. Sabrina Razack (Centre for Sport & Human Rights)
- Ige Egal (Play for Dignity)
- Martha Gumprich (Physical and Health Education Canada )
- Gerd Dembowski (FIFA Zurich)
- Brad Taylor & Dean Smith (Nova Scotia Hockey Association)
- Workshops: Led by experts from Australian Sports Commission and UK Sport, including Sport for Life.
- Emerging BIPOC Leaders: Dedicated workshops facilitated by R.I.S.E. To Win & RBC Training Ground.
- 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 thrilled to introduce Adam Cassidy from the Australian Sports Commission as one of our esteemed workshop facilitators at the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference.
The Australian Sports Commission is driving impactful initiatives on intersectionality and anti-racism in sport. Their workshop will explore practical strategies and resources for addressing these issues in the Canadian context.

We’re thrilled to introduce Trixie Marchant from UK Sport as one of our esteemed workshop facilitators at the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference.
UK Sport is committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for athletes, coaches, and administrators. Their workshop will share best practices and insights from their work in the UK, offering valuable strategies for the Canadian context.

We’re excited to welcome Mataya Jim as a workshop facilitator at the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC)!
Mataya is the Manager of Indigenous Initiatives at Sport for Life and a key member of their Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee. A proud W̱SÁNEĆ woman from the W,SIKEM community, she leads culturally grounded programs that empower Indigenous youth through sport and community engagement.

We’re excited to welcome Greg Henhawk as a speaker at the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC)!
Greg is a Mohawk from the Bear Clan of the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation, with over 30 years of experience in education, coaching, and sport leadership. A founding board member of the Ontario Coaches Association and a lead facilitator for Indigenous coaching modules, Greg is a powerful advocate for inclusive coach education and intercultural understanding.

We’re thrilled to announce Martha Gumprich from Physical & Health Education Canada as a confirmed speaker at the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC)!
Martha will be leading a crucial conversation on “A Way Forward for Nonbinary Inclusion in Sport.”

We’re thrilled to announce Ige Egal from Play for Dignity as a confirmed speaker at the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC)!
Ige will be leading a crucial conversation on “Making Sport Everyone’s Game: A Human Rights Approach.”
This session will explore how to create lasting change in sport by addressing structural barriers, using policy to drive equity, and empowering community-led solutions.

We’re thrilled to announce Gerd Dembowski, Head of Human Rights & Anti-Discrimination a.i at FIFA, as a confirmed speaker at the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC)!
Gerd will be leading a crucial conversation on “Anti-Discrimination at FIFA.”

We’re thrilled to announce Dr. Sabrina Razack, Senior Project Lead at the Centre for Sport and Human Rights, as a confirmed speaker at the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC)!
Dr. Sabrina is spearheading key initiatives for the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 alongside the United States and Mexico.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Dr. Razack’s insights on human rights, education, and creating meaningful change in sport.

We’re honoured to welcome Olympic gold medalist and Canadian sports icon Bruny Surin as a keynote speaker at the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC)!
From the 1996 Olympic gold in the 4x100m relay to breaking records on the world stage, Bruny has been a trailblazer in Canadian athletics. Over his career, he’s competed in four Olympic Games and matched Canada’s 100m sprint record of 9.84 seconds. Beyond the track, he continues to lead as a mentor, motivational speaker, and advocate for youth through the Bruny Surin Foundation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of Canada’s most iconic athletes.

We’re excited to welcome Brad Taylor as a speaker at the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC)!
With over 20 years of experience in the sport industry—especially hockey—Brad has spent 14 years with Hockey Nova Scotia, four with Hockey Canada, and two with the 2011 Canada Winter Games Host Society. As a member of Hockey Nova Scotia’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Brad is actively working on initiatives to make hockey more inclusive across the province.
Don’t miss the chance to hear from Brad and other incredible leaders shaping the future of diversity in sports!

We’re excited to welcome Dean Smith as a speaker at the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC)!
Dean serves as legal counsel with the Federal Department of Justice in Halifax and brings a wealth of experience as a hockey dad, minor hockey coach, and hockey administrator. As Chair of Diversity & Inclusion at Hockey Nova Scotia, Dean is dedicated to making the game more inclusive and accessible for all.
Join us as we discuss the future of diversity in sports with incredible leaders like Dean!

We’re excited to welcome S. Kate Moore as a speaker at the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC)!
As Egale Canada’s Senior 2SLGBTQI Diversity & Inclusion Trainer and Consultant, Kate brings over 30 years of experience across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. A passionate advocate for meaningful change, she is the founder of VitalSHIFT Consulting and has held leadership roles with the Ten Oaks Project, the Federal Multiculturalism Program, and Skills for Change.
With a global perspective shaped by experiences in over 40 countries, Kate’s expertise in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) makes her an invaluable voice in the conversation about making sports more inclusive for all.
Join us to hear from Kate and other inspiring leaders driving positive change in sports and beyond!

We’re thrilled to welcome Nydia Cardenas as a speaker at the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC)!
A true champion of community impact, Nydia has dedicated her career to creating economic opportunities and transformative experiences for others. From supporting small businesses with Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses program to leading customer success at CrowdSmart, she has worked to expand access to capital and innovation.
Through her work with RISE since 2016, Nydia has been empowering individuals and organizations to drive positive change. As the founder of Cardenas Coaching and The Energy Takeback series, she helps people reclaim their energy and thrive.

We’re thrilled to welcome Julia Rhodes, Program Operations Lead at RISE, as a speaker at the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC)!
With a career rooted in the non-profit and public sectors, Julia has been a dedicated force for meaningful change in urban communities. At RISE, she leads strategic program operations that empower athletes, executives, and fans alike to harness the power of sport as a driver for social impact. Her work reflects a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and the transformative potential of sport.
Don’t miss the chance to hear from this inspiring leader at DISC2025!

We’re honoured to welcome Keith Palmer, Deputy Minister of Sport for Ontario, as a featured speaker at the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC)!
With over 30 years of experience in public service, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge in community development, leadership, and policy. Prior to his current role, he served as Deputy Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, where he championed diversity and inclusion initiatives across the province. He has also held senior leadership roles in the Ministry of the Solicitor General and the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services driving innovation in service delivery and organizational culture.
Keith will kick off DISC 2025 with opening remarks, join a Q&A session, and engage directly with our Emerging BIPOC Leaders.

We’re excited to welcome Sam Effah as a speaker at the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC)!
A two-time Canadian Champion in the 100m, Sam has represented Canada on the world stage at multiple international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and World Championships. In 2021, he was inducted into the Canada West Hall of Fame for his incredible achievements in athletics.
Off the track, Sam is making an impact in the corporate world. At RBC, he has played a key role in RBC Future Launch, helping young people prepare for the future of work. Now, as a Brand Marketing Manager, he supports RBC Training Ground in identifying and funding Canada’s next generation of Olympians.
Join us to hear from Sam and other inspiring leaders shaping the future of sports!

We’re honoured to welcome World Champion decathlete and RBC Training Ground standout Pierce LePage as a speaker at the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC)!
From winning the first RBC Training Ground Ontario final to placing 5th at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and becoming World Champion in 2023, Pierce has shown what it means to persevere. Though injury kept him from Paris 2024, his determination to return stronger continues to inspire the next generation of Canadian athletes.
Don’t miss the chance to hear his incredible journey at DISC2025!

We’re thrilled to welcome Olympic sport climber and global advocate Sean McColl as a speaker at the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC)!
From helping bring climbing to the Olympic stage to earning 34 World Cup medals and 12 national titles, Sean has truly redefined what it means to be more than an athlete. A mentor, leader, and real-life action hero — his journey continues to inspire a new generation to rise higher, on and off the wall. Don’t miss it!
Emerging BIPOC Leaders Program
The Emerging BIPOC Leaders program, a specialized stream for young BIPOC leaders (ages 18-26), will also be running concurrently with the conference. To learn more information and/or apply for the Emerging BIPOC Leaders Program, click here.
Networking Social
ALL Attendees are invited to our Networking Social at the Rec Room Mississauga, taking place from 6:00PM - 10:00PM (EST) on Day 2 of the Conference.
FREE Shuttle Transportation provided!


Exclusive Screening Alert!
Join us at the 3rd Annual Diversity in Sports Conference for a private screening of The Loyola Project—a powerful documentary on the 1963 Loyola Ramblers and their impact on racial barriers in sports.
Don’t miss this inspiring story!
Tentative Schedule
Updated April 23, 2025
- 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Registration Opens
- 1:00 PM - 1:15 PM: Opening Remarks
- 1:15 PM - 1:45 PM: Deputy Minister of Sport, Keith Palmer
- 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM: Break
- 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM: EMERGING BIPOC LEADERS ONLY - Deputy Minister of Sport, Keith Palmer
- 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Egale Canada - S. Kate Moore - Sports Inclusion for Gender and Sexual Diversity Workshop
- 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Break + Hotel Check-Ins
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Physical & Health Education Canada - Martha Gumprich - A Way Forward for Non-binary Inclusion in Sport
- 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM: Day 1 Recap / Day 2 Breakdown
- 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM: Break
- 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM: Loyola Project Documentary Screening
- 7:00 AM - 8:45 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Morning greetings + Workshop Explanation
- 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM: Workshop Rotation 1 - Australian Sports Commission, UK Sport and Sport for Life.
- 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM: EMERGING BIPOC LEADERS Only | Workshop Rotation 1 - RISE To Win
- 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM: Break
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Keynote Speaker - Sprint Management Inc. - Bruny Surin
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM: Workshop Rotation 2 - Australian Sports Commission, UK Sport and Sport for Life.
- 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM: EMERGING BIPOC LEADERS Only | Workshop Rotation 2 - RISE To Win
- 2:15 PM - 2:30 PM: Break
- 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM: Workshop Rotation 3 - Australian Sports Commission, UK Sport and Sport for Life.
- 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM: EMERGING BIPOC LEADERS Only | Workshop Rotation 3 - RBC Training Ground
- 3:45 PM - 4:00 PM: Break
- 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM: Play for Dignity - Ige Egal - Making Sport Everyone’s Game: A Human Rights Approach.
- 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM: Day 2 Recap / Day 3 Breakdown
- 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Networking Social Event
- Location: Off Site - The Rec Room Mississauga (Shuttle Transportation Provided)
- 7:30 AM - 8:45 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Nova Scotia Hockey Association - Brad Taylor, Dean Smith - EDI Programming in Hockey
- 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM: Break
- 10:15 AM - 11:15 PM: Centre for Sport and Human Rights - Dr. Sabrina Razack - From Harm to Healing: Supporting Youth Mental Health and Well-Being in Sport
- 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM: Break
- 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM: FIFA - Gerd Dembowski - Anti-discrimination at FIFA
- 12:45 PM - 1:00 PM: Closing Remarks
- 1:00 PM: Lunch and Goodbye