Author: admin-HB

ICSN and Sport for Life Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Inclusive Sport and Community Impact

The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) and Sport for Life (S4L) are proud to announce a strengthened partnership aimed at advancing inclusive, accessible, and community-driven sport across Canada.

Building on a strong foundation of collaboration, ICSN and Sport for Life will work together to co-host webinars, workshops, and community-based learning opportunities, while also engaging in ongoing knowledge-sharing and project co-creation to address key priorities within the Canadian sport system.

For communities, this partnership means closer access to the knowledge, training, and tools that strengthen sport and physical activity at the local level — delivered by and for the people closest to the participants. By combining ICSN’s reach into equity-deserving communities with Sport for Life’s national infrastructure, the partnership aims to ensure that capacity flows to where it is needed most, rather than remaining concentrated within institutional networks.

This announcement builds on a history of collaboration between the two organizations. ICSN and Sport for Life have previously partnered through key national moments, including the Sport for Life Summit, where ICSN President & CEO Shauna Bookal contributed to national conversations on building inclusive sport systems. Sport for Life has also been an active contributor to ICSN’s flagship events, including the Diversity in Sport Conference (DISC) and Black Leaders in Sports Day (BLSD), as speakers, partners, and community builders.

Together, ICSN and Sport for Life are committed to strengthening this collaboration to better serve equity-deserving communities and drive meaningful change across the Canadian sport landscape.

“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to reimagining sport as a space where everyone belongs,” said Shauna Bookal, President & CEO of ICSN. “In the context of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s Final Report, which calls for more equitable, accessible, and accountable sport systems, collaborations like this are essential. By working together, we can amplify impact, co-create solutions, and ensure that sport systems are truly inclusive, accessible, and community-centered.”

“ICSN and Sport for Life bring together complementary strengths — their leadership in advancing equity for communities historically underrepresented in Canadian sport, and our national reach across the sport and physical activity system. This partnership is about closing the gap between policy and practice, and ensuring that federal commitments to a more equitable sport system translate into real opportunities for the communities that need them most,” said Kabir Hosein, Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives at Sport for Life.

Through this partnership, both organizations will continue to prioritize collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and community engagement as key drivers of sustainable change in sport.

About ICSN

The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) is a national organization dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Canadian amateur sport system. Through programs, partnerships, and advocacy, ICSN works to create safe, inclusive, and accessible sport environments for all.

About Sport for Life

Sport for Life is a national organization that helps Canadians develop the confidence, competence, and motivation to be active for life through quality sport and physical literacy.

Rainbow Registered and Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network Announce Collaboration to Advance Inclusive Sport Systems in Canada

Rainbow Registered and the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) are proud to announce a new collaboration. Together, we will focus on strengthening inclusive practice, accountability, and belonging for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals across the Canadian sport system.

Aligned with the 2026 Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC), this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to collective leadership and systems-level change. As a national multi-sport organization and the convener of pivotal industry events like DISC and Black Leaders in Sports Day, ICSN joins forces with Rainbow Registered to translate equity and inclusion commitments into sustained, measurable action for athletes, coaches, and sport administrators nationwide.

The collaboration brings together Rainbow Registered’s standards‑based accreditation and organisational inclusion expertise with ICSN’s national role supporting and convening the amateur sport sector. As a recognized Multi-Sport Organization under Sport Canada, ICSN brings a national platform for convening leaders, delivering education, and advancing systems-level change across sport. Together, the organisations are responding to the real and evolving needs of athletes, coaches, administrators, and community leaders navigating inclusion and belonging within increasingly complex organisational, social, and political environments.

As part of this work, Rainbow Registered and ICSN are exploring opportunities to align education, recognition, and incentives that encourage progress across different stages of organisational readiness. Initial areas of focus include collaborative learning opportunities, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and the integration of inclusion standards within sport-specific contexts. This includes examining how inclusion standards, accreditation, and sport‑specific context can work together to promote consistency, credibility, and long‑term cultural change, rather than one‑time or symbolic interventions.

“At ICSN, we believe that building inclusive sport systems requires more than intention—it requires collaboration, accountability, and sustained action. This collaboration with Rainbow Registered allows us to align our efforts and support sport organisations in moving beyond one-time commitments toward meaningful, measurable change. Together, we are working to ensure that 2SLGBTQI+ individuals feel safe, seen, and valued in sport spaces across Canada.”
— Shauna, President & CEO, Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network

“By combining Rainbow Registered’s accreditation standards with ICSN’s deep-rooted expertise in the amateur sport ecosystem, we are creating a roadmap for authentic belonging. We know that when athletes, coaches, and staff feel truly seen and safe, it transforms their mental health and well-being. Accreditation is more than a badge; it is a promise of care, ensuring that 2SLGBTQI+ identities are respected and protected in every locker room and front office across the country.”
— Victoria Wicks, Program Lead, Rainbow Registered (CQCC)

About the Partners

Rainbow Registered is a time-bound accreditation program that recognizes and supports businesses and organizations committed to authentic inclusion for 2SLGBTQI+ communities across Canada. Through a structured assessment process and required training, the program helps organizations build accountability, visibility, and trust.

The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) is a national not‑for‑profit multisport organisation dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Canadian amateur sport system by connecting leaders, sharing knowledge, and fostering collaboration and systems change. Through initiatives such as the Diversity in Sport Conference (DISC), and Black Leaders in Sports Day (BLSD) ICSN plays a key role in convening national conversations and advancing inclusive practices across the sport sector.

Together, Rainbow Registered and ICSN affirm that progress toward inclusive sport environments is collective, grounded in shared responsibility, learning, and action.

For more information:

🌈 Rainbow Registered
https://rainbowregistered.com
rainbowregistered@queerchamber.ca

🏅 Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network
https://inclusionincanadiansports.ca
info@inclusionincanadiansports.ca

ICSN Statement on the 2026 Spring Economic Update: Canada Strong for All

The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) acknowledges the Government of Canada’s 2026 Spring Economic Update and its focus on affordability, job creation, and expanding access to opportunities across the country.

We recognise the leadership of Prime Minister Mark Carney, Secretary of State (Sport) Adam van Koeverden, and Minister of Finance François-Philippe Champagne in advancing this update, which includes a $755 million investment over five years (plus $118 million ongoing) to strengthen Canada’s sport system across participation, athlete support, and infrastructure. Within this broader investment, one of the key implications is an equity focus—aimed at increasing access for underrepresented groups, including Black and racialized communities, alongside women and girls, Indigenous peoples, low-income households, and persons with disabilities. This recognition reflects an important and necessary shift—one that aligns with longstanding calls to make sport systems more inclusive and accessible.

At the same time, we must be clear: increasing participation is only one part of the solution. As highlighted in the Final Report of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission, systemic barriers—including racism, discrimination, cost, and lack of culturally relevant programming—continue to limit equitable access and experiences in sport. Addressing these challenges requires sustained, intentional investment not only in access, but in structural change.

This includes:

Investing in community-led and culturally grounded sport initiatives
Supporting diverse leadership across all levels of sport
Ensuring accountability mechanisms that address racism and discrimination within sport systems
Building pathways that go beyond participation, toward leadership, representation, and decision-making

We also recognize broader commitments in the Update—particularly those focused on youth, skills development, and community safety—which are critical to creating environments where all individuals can thrive both within and beyond sport.

ICSN remains committed to working alongside partners across sectors to ensure that these investments translate into meaningful, long-term impact. The opportunity ahead is not only to expand access, but to reimagine sport systems in Canada so they truly reflect and serve the diversity of this country.

Because building a stronger Canada means building a sport system where everyone belongs.

New Future of Sport in Canada Commission Report Validates the Need for Equity, Inclusion, and System Reform in Canadian Sport

Ottawa, Canada — The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) welcomes the release of the Final Report of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission, a landmark national review examining systemic challenges in Canadian sport and proposing recommendations to create safer, more accessible, and more inclusive sport environments.

The Commission was established by the Government of Canada in 2023 following widespread reports of systemic maltreatment, abuse, and governance failures across the sport system. Its Preliminary Report released in August 2025 outlined 71 recommendations aimed at strengthening athlete safety, closing jurisdictional gaps, and modernizing sport governance across the country.

The Final Report, published today, expands on these findings and calls for structural changes to ensure the Canadian sport system prioritizes safety, accessibility, equity, and accountability.

Importantly, ICSN is recognized within the report as one of the organizations advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in Canadian sport (Chapter 7, p. 268).

For ICSN, this recognition reflects a growing consensus across the sport ecosystem:

Equity, inclusion, and safe environments are not optional—they are foundational to the future of sport in Canada.

Key Findings from the Commission

The Commission’s final report identifies several systemic issues that continue to limit access, safety, and trust within Canadian sport.

1. Barriers to participation remain widespread (Chapter 7, p.242)

The report confirms that participation in sport is declining and that equity-deserving groups continue to face systemic barriers, including financial costs, discrimination, and lack of inclusive environments.

Groups facing disproportionate barriers include:

Women and girls
Indigenous communities
Racialized populations
Persons with disabilities
2SLGBTQI+ individuals
Newcomers to Canada

The report emphasizes that sport participation in Canada is not equally accessible, despite longstanding national commitments to inclusion.

2. Racism and discrimination persist across sport environments (Chapter 3, p.131; Chapter 7, p.268)

The Commission heard extensive testimony from athletes and participants describing racism, discrimination, and exclusion within sport settings.

Racialized athletes reported:

Experiencing racist remarks and microaggressions
Being tokenized or overlooked for leadership roles
Lack of representation in coaching and governance

The report highlights the importance of anti-racism education, representation in leadership, and systemic policy reform to address these issues.

It also recognizes initiatives such as the Play Fair: Anti-Racism in Sport Toolkit, developed with the support of organizations including ICSN, as important resources for advancing anti-racism education within sport.

3. Safe sport must go beyond preventing abuse (Chapter 8, p.278)

The Commission stresses that safe sport cannot be limited to preventing abuse or misconduct.

A truly safe sport environment must also ensure:

Inclusion and belonging
Cultural safety for Indigenous participants
Respect and dignity for all athletes
Equitable access to opportunities

Participants emphasized that safety is closely linked to trust, representation, and systemic accountability within sport organizations.

The report also notes that maltreatment in sport has long-term psychological and social impacts on athletes and undermines public trust in sport institutions.

4. Indigenous sport systems require recognition and support (Chapter 6, p. 214)

The report also highlights the importance of Indigenous-led sport systems, acknowledging that sport plays a critical cultural, social, and healing role within Indigenous communities.

Indigenous participants identified ongoing barriers including:

Lack of culturally safe environments
Racism in mainstream sport structures
Limited facilities and infrastructure
Underrepresentation of Indigenous athletes and leaders

The Commission calls for stronger collaboration with Indigenous communities and respect for Indigenous self-determination in sport governance.

Why this report matters

The Commission’s findings reinforce a central message:

The future of Canadian sport depends on equity, safety, and inclusion.

For ICSN, this report represents a significant moment of validation.

ICSN was founded to address the very issues identified by the Commission — including systemic barriers, lack of representation, and the need for stronger anti-racism initiatives in sport.

Through programs an initiatives such as:

The Diversity in Sport Conference (DISC)
Black Leaders in Sports Day (BLSD)
Breaking Barriers Swimming program
Building Bridges program
Emerging BIPOC Leaders program
And more

In addition to its programs and convenings, ICSN has developed a Resource Hub that brings together curated ICSN and community resources to support inclusive, safe, and equitable sport environments.

Available at: https://inclusionincanadiansports.ca/resources-hub/

The growing hub includes materials such as research reports, policy briefs, practical guides, and educational tools designed to support sport leaders, organizations, and communities working to advance equity in sport. Resources are organized into accessible categories covering topics such as anti-racism in sport, inclusive leadership and governance, safe sport practices, and community engagement.

ICSN continues to work with athletes, sport organizations, and policymakers to help build a sport system that is inclusive, equitable, and accessible for all Canadians.

Call to action

ICSN encourages sport leaders, policymakers, researchers, and community organizations to read the Future of Sport in Canada Commission Final Report and engage with its recommendations.

Systemic change in sport requires collective action across all levels of the sport system.

The report is available here.

Black Leaders in Sport Day 2026 Brings National Gathering of Black Sport Leaders to Parliament Hill

Ottawa, ON – The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) proudly hosted the second annual Black Leaders in Sport Day (BLSD) on February 23 and 24, 2026 in Ottawa. Building on the success of the inaugural event in 2025, this year’s gathering expanded into a two-day national convening on Parliament Hill focused on advancing inclusion in Canadian sport.

BLSD 2026 brought together more than 75 emerging and established Black leaders from across the Canadian amateur sport sector. Participants included administrators, coaches, officials, researchers, sport medicine professionals, and community advocates working across the sport system and beyond.

Together, they gathered to strengthen collaboration, share lived experience, and advance dialogue on the future of sport in Canada.

Day One: Engagement with the Senate

The first day featured a visit to the Senate of Canada, where Black sport leaders met with Senators to discuss the current landscape of inclusion in Canadian sport and the barriers that continue to affect Black and racialized participants.

The discussions focused on representation, accountability, and the need for sustained systemic change. Senators Paulette Senior, Dawn Arnold, Bernadette Clement, Marty Deacon, Marilou McPhedran and Tony Inca welcomed participants and created space for open dialogue on how sport systems can better reflect the communities they serve.

Day Two: Policy Dialogue at the House of Commons

The second day convened participants at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building for a full day of policy discussions with federal leaders and senior officials.

Opening remarks were delivered by Deputy House Leader Arielle Kayabaga and Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden. Participants also heard from representatives of Canadian Heritage, Employment and Social Development Canada, and Sport Canada.

Sessions included presentations on Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024 to 2028, the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, and Canada’s Sport Policy 2025 to 2035. The day concluded with a fireside conversation with members of the Federal Parliamentary Black Caucus and an evening reception that encouraged further collaboration across sectors.

The convening created space for honest reflection on persistent inequities in sport, grounded in both data and lived experience. Participants emphasized that meaningful progress requires accountability, structural reform, and sustained partnership across federal institutions, sport organizations, and communities.

“This moment did not happen overnight,” said ICSN leadership. “It reflects years of advocacy and relationship-building. The conversations over these two days signal a shared commitment to ensuring that sport in Canada is truly safe, inclusive, and accessible for all.”

Black Leaders in Sport Day continues to grow as a national platform for leadership, policy engagement, and community building. As ICSN looks ahead, the focus remains clear: collaboration, accountability, and measurable change.

The work continues.

Shape the Future of Inclusive Sport: Join the Emerging BIPOC Leaders Program!

Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) is proud to welcome applications for our Emerging BIPOC Leaders Program!

The Emerging BIPOC Leaders Program is a national leadership program for young Black, Indigenous, and People of colour (ages 18-30), designed to address the gap in BIPOC representation in Canadian sport leadership. The program provides year-round support, skill development, and access to meaningful opportunities that help build a more inclusive Canadian amateur sport system.

Eligibility

Identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Colour
Be between the ages of 18-30 (as of April 1, 2026)
Have a demonstrated interest in sport and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Benefits

Networking opportunities
Online workshops
Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals
Skill-building activities focused on leadership, advocacy, and allyship
Opportunity to contribute to creating positive change in the Canadian sport system

Opportunity to Attend the Diversity in Sports Conference May 1-3, 2026

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.

Selected Emerging BIPOC Leader Program participants will have the opportunity to attend the Diversity in Sports Conference – Emerging BIPOC Leaders Stream, a dedicated series of workshops and experiences at the conference designed for Emerging BIPOC Leaders.

To register for the Emerging BIPOC Leaders Program, click here.

We encourage you to share this opportunity with the future leaders of Canadian sport. For questions, contact Kim Pallarca, Programs and Operations Manager, at programs@inclusionincanadiansports.ca.

Early Bird Pricing Ending Soon for ICSN’s 4th Annual National Diversity in Sports Conference

As the year wraps up and the holiday season approaches, early bird pricing for the 4th Annual National Diversity in Sports Conference is coming to a close. This is your final opportunity to secure holiday savings before rates increase.

Hosted by the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN), the 2026 National Diversity in Sports Conference will take place May 1–3, 2026, at the Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale. Start the new year with intention by confirming your spot at one of Canada’s leading gatherings focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in sport.

The conference brings together sport leaders, professionals, and changemakers from across the country for three inspiring days of learning, collaboration, and connection. Attendees can expect expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities, along with highlights from the Emerging BIPOC Leaders Program, designed for individuals aged 18–30 (application details coming soon).

Early bird pricing is available until December 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.

Holiday Early Bird Pricing — Ending Soon

General Admission:

Early Bird – $200 | Regular – $300 | Late – $400

Discounted Rates Available:

Groups of 5 or more: $150
Grassroots/Community Organizations: $150
Students: $100
Researchers/Academics: $200

All prices are subject to taxes and processing fees.

Discounted hotel rates for all attendees at the Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale will be announced soon.

For Diversity in Sports Conference inquiries, or interest in speaker, vendor, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@inclusionincanadiansports.ca.

Stay connected for more information on ICSN and the Diversity in Sports Conference by following us on Instagram and LinkedIn, or by becoming a Gamechanger.

Close out the year with purpose—secure your early bird rate before prices increase.

Special thanks to Visit Mississauga for supporting this event.

ICSN Launches Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Awards: Nominations Now Open

The Inclusion in Canadian Sport Network (ICSN) is proud to announce the launch of the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Awards, celebrating individuals and grassroots/community sport organizations across Canada who are advancing inclusion, representation, and belonging within the amateur sport system.

These awards shine a light on those working tirelessly to build a sport system where everyone belongs. From grassroots to emerging leaders, the ICSN EDI Awards recognize those who are breaking barriers to make sport more accessible, equitable, and representative of Canada’s diverse communities.

The ICSN Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Awards feature three categories that reflect ICSN’s mission to promote inclusive and equitable participation in Canadian amateur sport:

Game Changer of the Year Award
Emerging BIPOC Leader of the Year Award
Sport for All Award

Award recipients will be recognized and celebrated at the 4th Annual Diversity in Sports Conference, taking place May 1-3, 2026 at the Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale.

Nominations are now open until January 16, 2026 at 5:00PM ET. All nominees will be notified of their status by February 2, 2026 via email. Nominations are open to the public, and all eligible individuals and organizations are encouraged to apply or nominate themselves and others who exemplify inclusive excellence in sport.

Visit the ICSN Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Awards webpage to learn more about the awards and access nomination forms for each category: inclusionincanadiansports.ca/awards

For any inquiries or questions, please contact info@inclusionincanadiansports.ca.

ICSN Launches the Sport for All Scholarship to Support Attendance for the 4th Annual National Diversity in Sports Conference

The Inclusion in Canadian Sport Network (ICSN) is proud to announce the launch of the 2026 Sport for All: Diversity in Sports Conference Scholarship, funded by Visit Mississauga. This scholarship supports grassroots sport leaders and organizations in reducing barriers to attend the 4th Annual National Diversity in Sports Conference, taking place May 1-3, 2026, at the Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale.

The scholarship helps offset participation barriers such as conference registration, accommodation, and travel costs, ensuring equitable access for those who may otherwise be unable to attend.

Through this initiative, ICSN continues its commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across Canadian sport – ensuring that leaders from all communities have the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together.

Applications are now open until November 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET.

For more information and to apply, visit inclusionincanadiansports.ca/2026DISC

For any inquiries or questions, please contact Kim Pallarca, Programs & Operations Manager, ICSN programs@inclusionincanadiansports.ca

About the Annual National Diversity in Sports Conference

Early Bird Tickets Now Available for ICSN’s 4th Annual National Diversity in Sports Conference

The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) is excited to announce that early bird tickets are now available for the 4th Annual National Diversity in Sports Conference, taking place May 1–3, 2026, at the Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale.

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.

Participants can expect to learn from leading experts, engage in interactive workshops, and connect with peers in a lively and memorable networking experience, all focused on creating an inclusive and equitable Canadian sport system.

The conference also 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. Information on how to apply will be shared in the future.

Attendees can take advantage of the earlybird discounted rate until December 31, 2025.

General Admission:

Earlybird – $200
Regular – $300
Late – $400

Discounted Rates Available:

Groups of 5 or more – $150
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. A discounted hotel rate will also be available for all attendees at the Hotel Mississauga Meadowvale – more information to come soon.

We look forward to welcoming attendees from across the country for three days of learning, collaboration, and action.

For more information on the Diversity in Sports Conference, visit our website, become a Gamechanger, and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

For any Diversity in Sports Conference inquiries, or interest in speaker, vendor or sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@inclusionincanadiansports.ca.

Thank you to Visit Mississauga for sponsoring this important event.

Author: admin-HB