This partnership will provide Emerging BIPOC Leaders and the broader ICSN community with hands-on opportunities at one of Canada’s largest sporting events
Whitby, ON — September 25, 2026 — The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) is proud to announce a new partnership with the 2026 Grey Cup Festival, creating meaningful opportunities for Emerging BIPOC Leaders (EBLs) and members of the broader ICSN community to gain hands-on experience within Canadian sport.
Taking place in Calgary, Alberta, from November 11–14, the 2026 Grey Cup Festival is expected to welcome approximately 290,000 attendees ahead of the 113th Grey Cup on November 15.
Through this partnership, ICSN’s Emerging BIPOC Leaders will have opportunities to work alongside Grey Cup Festival teams across several areas of event delivery, including festival and event operations, fan experience, volunteer operations, administration, marketing, communications, content creation, and community engagement.
These placements are designed to provide participants with practical experience working within a major national sporting event while developing their professional skills, expanding their networks, and gaining greater exposure to career pathways across the sport industry.
“Creating meaningful pathways into sport requires more than opening doors—it means giving emerging leaders opportunities to step through them, gain real experience and build relationships within the industry. Through this partnership with the 2026 Grey Cup Festival, our Emerging BIPOC Leaders will have the opportunity to contribute to one of Canada’s largest sporting events while developing skills and connections that can support their continued growth in sport.”
— Shauna Bookal, President & CEO, Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network
The partnership will also extend beyond the Emerging BIPOC Leaders program, creating additional opportunities for members of the broader ICSN community. The 2026 Grey Cup Festival has provided 75 spots for members of the ICSN community through a girls’ initiative, with further details to be announced. Members of the ICSN community will also have access to additional volunteer opportunities, including Stage Squad roles.
“The Grey Cup Festival is about bringing people together and creating unforgettable experiences, but it is also an opportunity to inspire and develop the next generation of leaders in sport. Through our partnership with ICSN, we are creating meaningful pathways for emerging leaders to gain hands-on experience behind the scenes of one of Canada’s largest sporting events, while helping ensure our Festival reflects the diversity, talent, and strength of communities across Canada.”
— Karen Dommett, Executive Director, 2026 Grey Cup
For ICSN, this partnership represents another step toward creating tangible pathways into the Canadian sport system. By connecting emerging leaders with hands-on experiences at major sporting events, ICSN continues to help participants build the skills, relationships, and professional experience that can support their long-term involvement and leadership in sport.
“Partnerships like this are about more than being present at major sporting events,” added Bookal. “They are about creating pathways that allow the next generation of diverse sport leaders to learn, contribute, build their networks, and ultimately lead.”
More information about opportunities for the ICSN community through the 2026 Grey Cup Festival will be shared in the coming weeks.
