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ICSN Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Awards

The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) is proud to present the ICSN Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Awards, an initiative recognizing individuals and grassroots/community sport organizations that are championing equity, diversity, and inclusion across Canadian amateur sport.

These awards are meant to shine light on leadership, impact, and intentionality that help build a sport system where everyone belongs and is represented.

Key Dates

Deadline to Nominate for 2027
To Be Announced
Nominee Notification
To Be Announced
Awards Presented At
The 5th Annual Diversity in Sport Conference (DISC 2027)
Date and Location To Be Announced

How to Nominate

Nominations must be submitted through the online nomination forms.

Submissions are open to the public, and all individuals or organizations meeting the eligibility requirements are invited to nominate themselves or others.

The Game Changer of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, advocacy, meaningful allyship, and innovation in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the Canadian amateur sport system.

This award celebrates those who have gone above and beyond to challenge systemic barriers, inspire cultural change, and create meaningful opportunities for underrepresented communities in Canadian amateur and grassroots sport.

Whether through policy reform, mentorship, or on the ground programming, the Game Changer sets a new standard for inclusive excellence in sport.

Eligibility

Individuals must:
  • Have demonstrated involvement or leadership within Canadian amateur sport, recreation, or community development for over a year.
  • Be actively involved in Canadian amateur, community, or grassroots sport (e.g., athlete, coach, administrator, volunteer, or advocate).

Selection Criteria

To qualify, candidates must meet the following requirements:
  • Implemented initiatives or influenced practices that contribute to long-term systemic change in sport.
  • Demonstrated leadership and measurable impact in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Actively invests in Canada’s future sport leaders – “opening doors for others.”
    Demonstrates alignment with ICSN’s Play Fair Toolkit principles and actions.
  • Serves as a role model who motivates others to embrace equity and inclusion.
  • Demonstrated authentic partnership with BIPOC or marginalized communities.
  • Used personal or institutional influence to open pathways for equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Nominations for 2027 are currently not open

The Emerging BIPOC Leader of the Year Award celebrates a young or early career leader who is driving meaningful progress in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the Canadian amateur sport system.

This award recognizes an individual who embodies the next generation of leadership, someone who uses their passion, creativity, and voice to inspire others, break down barriers, and champion inclusive sport environments across their community or organization.

Eligibility

Nominees must:
  • Identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Colour (BIPOC)
  • Be between 18 and 30 years of age at the time of nomination
  • Is actively involved in Canadian amateur, community, or grassroots sport (e.g., athlete, coach, administrator, volunteer, or advocate).

Selection Criteria

To qualify, candidates must meet the following requirements:
  • Displays leadership qualities through advocacy, creativity, and innovation in Canadian amateur sport.
  • Shows clear potential for continued development as an inclusive sport leader.
    Demonstrates initiative and creativity in addressing inclusion barriers.
  • Reflects ICSN’s Play Fair Toolkit principles in practice.
Nominations for 2027 are currently not open

The Sport For All Award recognizes a grassroots or community organization that has used sport as a tool for social inclusion, positive change, and community empowerment in the Canadian amateur sport system.

This award highlights collective leadership, organizations that have embedded equity, diversity, and inclusion into their core operations and culture, ensuring that sport is accessible to all.

Eligibility

Open to:
  • Grassroots or community-level sport organizations in Canada. 
  • Organizations that have been actively operating for over a year, delivering programs or initiatives related to sport, recreation, or community development.
  • Organizations demonstrating a long-term commitment to EDI practices in Canadian amateur sport.

Selection Criteria

Organizations must show evidence of:
  • A strong long-term EDI working environment/culture.
  • Increased access, participation, and inclusion within their community.
  • Focuses on underrepresented or marginalized groups (e.g., BIPOC, Indigenous, Newcomers, 2SLGBTQ+, persons with disabilities)
  • Active partnerships and community engagement that amplifies inclusion. 
  • Long-lasting or scalable initiatives that contribute to systemic change.
Nominations for 2027 are currently not open

Recognition

Award recipients will be honoured at the 5th Annual Diversity in Sports Conference, and will receive:

  • On-stage recognition and award presentation during the 2027 Diversity in Sports Conference
  • Features in ICSN’s newsletter, social media, and website
  • Opportunities for mentorship and storytelling through ICSN’s platform

Past Award Winners

2026 — Inaugural Edition

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Questions?

For inquiries about the ICSN EDI Awards, please contact: info@inclusionincanadiansports.ca