From grassroots programming and emerging leader development to education and sector-wide conversations, ICSN continued creating opportunities and strengthening communities throughout summer 2026
Whitby, ON — September 10, 2026 — From community programming and youth engagement to professional development, networking and national conversations about the future of sport, the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) is celebrating a busy summer of advancing inclusion, leadership and opportunity across the Canadian sport system.
Throughout summer 2026, ICSN delivered and supported programming across the country, bringing together youth, emerging professionals, community leaders, sport organizations and sector partners. The organization also continued its education and advocacy work through presentations, webinars and conferences focused on building more inclusive and equitable environments in sport.
“Summer 2026 really reflected the breadth of what ICSN is working to accomplish,” said Shauna Bookal, President & CEO of ICSN. “From creating spaces for young people to experience sport and build relationships, to connecting emerging leaders with professionals in the industry, to having important conversations with organizations and decision-makers, each initiative contributes to the same goal: creating a sport system where more people have opportunities to participate, lead and thrive.”
Building More Inclusive Sport Organizations
The summer included continued learning through Dr. Ryan Storr’s Developing Rainbow Ready Sport Organizations Webinar Series, which provided sport organizations and leaders with opportunities to strengthen their understanding of LGBTQ+ inclusion and consider how their environments, policies and practices can better support diverse participants.
The series contributed to ICSN’s broader commitment to education and equipping the Canadian sport community with knowledge and tools to create more welcoming and inclusive environments.
Developing the Next Generation of Sport Leaders
Leadership and professional development remained a significant focus throughout the summer through ICSN’s Emerging BIPOC Leaders (EBL) Program.
Through the EBL Seminar Series, participants had opportunities to learn directly from leaders across sport, government and public service, including Shauna Bookal, President & CEO of ICSN; The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Olympic gold medallist, Member of Parliament and Secretary of State (Sport); and Deputy Minister Keith Palmer, Deputy Minister responsible for sport, recreation and active living in Ontario.
The seminars provided Emerging BIPOC Leaders with access to experienced leaders, professional insights and conversations about leadership, careers and navigating pathways within the Canadian sport system.
On June 5, that development continued at NBA House in Montreal, where EBLs participated in a networking experience with NBA Canada professionals. The event gave participants an opportunity to learn more about careers in sport, connect with industry professionals and expand their networks.
Together, these opportunities reflect the EBL Program’s broader purpose: connecting emerging leaders with the knowledge, people and spaces that can support their continued growth in sport.
Creating Opportunities on the World Stage
This summer also marked an important milestone for the FIFA26 Canada x ICSN Volunteer Program, a national collaboration creating meaningful opportunities for Black, Indigenous and racialized leaders to gain hands-on experience through the FIFA26 Canada Volunteer Program.
Through the initiative, 26 volunteers from seven provinces were selected for opportunities connected to the FIFA World Cup 2026™, with participants supporting volunteer operations in Toronto and Vancouver and taking on roles throughout the tournament. An additional 37 members of ICSN’s Game Changers Network accessed general volunteer opportunities through a dedicated registration code.
More than a volunteer experience, the initiative provided participants with opportunities to develop professional skills, build connections and gain experience within one of the world’s largest sporting events, while helping ensure diverse communities were represented and contributing behind the scenes.
Breaking Barriers in Swimming
ICSN also continued its Breaking Barriers in Swimming Program, creating opportunities for Indigenous, Black and racialized youth to participate in swimming while developing skills and pathways within the aquatic sector.
On June 21, ICSN held a special program celebration in Aurora, followed by another in Guelph on August 16, recognizing participants and the communities and partners supporting the program.
Beyond increasing access to swimming, Breaking Barriers in Swimming is designed to create longer-term pathways through aquatic certifications, leadership development and employment opportunities, helping address barriers to both participation and representation within aquatics.
Building Bridges Through Community Connection
On June 27, ICSN continued its Building Bridges Program with Session #2 at Father Leo Austin Catholic Secondary School.
Building Bridges creates opportunities for Black youth to engage with Black law-enforcement and community leaders outside traditional enforcement settings through sport and recreation, mentorship, facilitated conversations, leadership development and career exploration.
The program also focuses on providing youth with practical skills and certifications that can support their personal, professional and leadership development. A total of 63 participants completed training courses through the program, including CPR, First Aid and HIGH FIVE® training, equipping youth with valuable skills and credentials they can carry into future employment, volunteer and leadership opportunities.
By combining relationship-building and mentorship with practical training opportunities, Building Bridges aims to strengthen connections, build confidence and create pathways for young people to grow within their communities and beyond.
Reflecting on Growth and Looking Ahead
On July 28, ICSN held its Annual General Meeting, providing an opportunity to reflect on another year of organizational growth, recognize the work accomplished across ICSN’s programs and initiatives, and look ahead to the organization’s continued national impact.
The AGM brought together the breadth of ICSN’s work—from community programming and leadership development to education, partnerships, events and advocacy—while reinforcing the organization’s commitment to creating sustainable pathways for greater representation throughout Canadian sport.
Advancing Gender Equity in Sport
On August 11, ICSN President & CEO Shauna Bookal took the stage at the UNMATCHED: Gender Equity in Sports Conference, alongside several of ICSN’s Emerging BIPOC Leaders.
Bookal spoke about the power of mentorship, visibility and representation, and the need to create clearer pathways for women and underrepresented communities to see themselves—and succeed—in sport leadership.
The conference also provided an opportunity for Emerging BIPOC Leaders to be part of important sector-wide conversations about gender equity while connecting with leaders and changemakers working to shape a more equitable future for sport.
Taking the Conversation Across the Sport System
Alongside its programs and events, ICSN spent the summer delivering numerous presentations and participating in conversations across the sport sector, sharing knowledge and practical approaches related to inclusion, anti-racism, leadership, accountability, organizational culture and creating safer and more equitable sport environments.
These presentations are an important extension of ICSN’s work. While community programs create direct opportunities for participants, education and sector engagement help organizations examine the systems, practices and cultures that shape sport experiences.
Together, both approaches contribute to sustainable change.
One Summer, One Continued Commitment
While this summer’s activities ranged from swimming pools and secondary schools to professional networking opportunities, the FIFA World Cup 2026™, and national conferences, they were connected by a common purpose: creating opportunities for more people to participate, connect and lead in sport.
Young people gained access to programming. Emerging leaders built their networks and learned from established professionals. Volunteers gained hands-on experience on one of sport’s biggest international stages. Communities came together. Organizations engaged in conversations about inclusion. And ICSN continued working across multiple levels of the sport system to turn commitments to equity into meaningful action.
As ICSN moves into the fall, the momentum of summer 2026 continues through programming, education, partnerships and leadership opportunities across Canada.
Building connections. Creating pathways. Advancing inclusion in sport.
