ICSN Joins CTV to Discuss Statistics Canada Report on Ongoing Racism in Community Sport

ICSN joined CTV News to speak on new findings from Statistics Canada released in March 2025: “Unfair Treatment, Racism and Discrimination in community sports in Canada.”

Chair of the Board of Directors of ICSN, Tristian Reid, in a CTV morning interview titled, “Study: Racism Remains an Issue in Community Sports,” addressed the persistent presence of racism and discrimination in community sport and emphasized the urgent need for systemic change.

He highlighted that addressing these problems requires collective action: “People need to look internally, making sure that we create more inclusive work space cultures within the community. We need to make sure we are holding people accountable.”

We encourage all sport leaders to watch the interview, engage with the data and keep the conversations going—because when lived experience is backed by evidence, it demands CHANGE.

To view the interview, see here.

ICSN Launches Charitable Impact Giving Page

The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) is proud to announce the launch of its official Charitable Impact Giving Page, inviting individuals and organizations to support the ongoing work of building a more inclusive, equitable, and representative amateur sport system across Canada.

ICSN is a not-for-profit organization working to realize a more racially diverse and inclusive Canadian sport system by creating pathways for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour to thrive as coaches, officials, sport administrators, and support staff through mentorship, education, job opportunities, and community connection.

Recent Statistics Canada data continues to highlight the urgency of this work — in 2023, over one-quarter (26%) of sports participants in athletic roles reported that racism and discrimination remain persistent challenges in community sports.

Support through the new giving page will help ICSN expand its reach, strengthen operations, and continue delivering impactful programming across the country, including:

Emerging BIPOC Leaders Program: Empowers (ages 18-26) through mentorship, leadership development, and networking opportunities to foster the next generation of leaders in Canadian sport.

BIPOC Mentorship Program: Connects emerging BIPOC coaches with experienced leaders in the amateur sports system, providing mentorship and professional development funding to increase diversity and representation in coaching roles.

Breaking Barriers in Swimming Program: Offers free swim lessons, leadership training, and organizational support to BIPOC youth, aiming to break down barriers and increase diverse representation in Canada’s aquatics community.

Building Bridges Program: Provides a safe and engaging space for Black youth to engage in dialogue with law enforcement, fostering mutual understanding through conversation and play.

Black Leaders in Sports Day: The inaugural event brought together emerging and established Black sport leaders across Canada, expanding knowledge, building networks, and strengthening the collective impact of Black leadership in sports.

Annual National Diversity in Sports Conference, Play Fair: Anti-Racism in Sports Toolkit, and Ongoing Advocacy: Brings together leaders, provides resources, and advocates for systemic change to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity across the Canadian sport system.

All contributions are eligible for a charitable tax receipt and support ICSN’s efforts to break down systemic barriers and drive lasting change in the amateur Canadian sport system.

To donate, click HERE.

Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network Announces 2025 Annual General Meeting

The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) will be holding its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, June 25, from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM EST.

This virtual meeting is open to all individuals interested in learning more about ICSN’s mission, impact, and ongoing initiatives to advance equity, diversity, and representation across the Canadian sport system.

Registration is required by Monday, June 23 at 5:00 PM EST.

Click HERE to register

We welcome all supporters, partners, and members of the community to join us as we reflect on our progress and outline priorities for the year ahead.

Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network Reflects on Groundbreaking Third Annual Diversity in Sports Conference

The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) proudly hosted the 3rd Annual National Diversity in Sports Conference on May 2–4, 2025, at the Hilton Meadowvale Mississauga. This sold-out, three-day event brought together sport leaders, advocates, and changemakers from across Canada and beyond to build community, expand knowledge, and accelerate collective efforts to foster a more inclusive and equitable amateur sport system.

 

About the Diversity in Sports Conference

The Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC) is ICSN’s signature annual event, uniting individuals across all levels of the sport ecosystem—from grassroots to high performance—who are committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. The conference features dynamic speaker sessions, action-oriented workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities.

This year’s theme, “Sport for All,” underscored the importance of ensuring every identity, community, and lived experience is welcomed and reflected within Canadian sport.

 

A Three-Day Recap of Impact

Throughout the weekend, Arash Madani, National Sports Broadcaster, returned as DISC’s emcee for the third consecutive year, guiding conversations with clarity and energy.

Day 1 opened with a heartfelt welcome and opening remarks from ICSN Chair of the Board of Directors Tristian Reid, followed by keynote insights from Deputy Minister of Sport for Ontario, Keith Palmer, S. Kate Moore of Egale Canada on gender and sexual diversity inclusion, Martha Gumprich of Physical and Health Education Canada on nonbinary representation, and The Loyola Project team from TourCrossroads.

Day 2 began with intention-setting led by Denise McLeod, followed by a welcome from Katelyn May of Visit Mississauga. Rotational workshops featured international perspectives from Adam Cassidy (Australian Sports Commission) and Trixie Marchant (UK Sport), alongside Indigenous programs facilitators Mataya Jim and Greg Henhawk (Sport for Life) who presented on reimagining equity in sport. The day continued with a keynote from Olympic Gold Medalist Bruny Surin (Sprint Management Inc.), and a session on sport and human rights with Ige Egal (Play for Dignity).

The evening closed with a unique and fun Networking Social at The Rec Room, made possible thanks to the support of Visit Mississauga.

Day 3 featured impactful EDI programming led by Dean Smith and Brad Taylor (Nova Scotia Hockey Association) on inclusive hockey initiatives, Charlotte Prouse (Centre for Sport & Human Rights) on athlete mental health, and a systems-change case study facilitated by Dr. Sabrina Razack. Gerd Dembowski (FIFA) shared FIFA’s anti-discrimination strategy, and Sharon Bollenbach (FIFA World Cup 2026™, City of Toronto) shared on legacy-building through the World Cup. The conference concluded with powerful closing remarks from Tristan Reid, who challenged attendees with a lasting question: “Who else needs to be at this table next year?”

 

Empowering the Next Generation: The Emerging BIPOC Leaders Program

A cornerstone of the conference, the Emerging BIPOC Leaders (EBL) Program continued its growth in 2025, offering leadership development, tailored workshops, and networking opportunities to over 100 young leaders aged 18–26.

Workshops were led by RISE To Win facilitators Nydia Cardenas and Julia Rhodes, focusing on equity and leadership in sport. Participants also engaged in a session hosted by RBC Training Ground, featuring elite athletes Sam Effah, Pierce LePage, and Sean McColl, who shared insights on perseverance and personal development in high-performance sport. ICSN’s unique Networking Social at The Rec Room provided Emerging BIPOC Leaders with a vibrant space to connect with fellow conference attendees, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships across the sport sector.

The ongoing success and expansion of the EBL program reflects ICSN’s deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of diverse, empowered leaders within the Canadian sport system.

 

Why This Work Matters

The need for systemic change in Canadian sport remains urgent. According to Statistics Canada’s recent 2025 report on Unfair treatment, racism and discrimination in community sports in Canada, 26% of individuals in athletic roles report racism and discrimination as persistent issues, where racialized participants (12%) are three times more likely to experience unfair treatment than their non-racialized counterparts (4%).

The Diversity in Sports Conference is a direct response to these challenges—creating space for critical dialogue, equipping leaders with tools for change, and driving long-term progress toward representation, equity, and justice across all levels of sport in Canada.

 

Looking Ahead

The 2025 conference brought together 350 sport leaders of all genders, backgrounds, and experiences—each united in their dedication to transforming sport.

As ICSN continues to grow its reach and impact, Annual National DISC remains a rallying point for those leading the charge. Together, we are redefining what inclusive sport looks like in Canada—and building a future where Sport for All is not a slogan, but a standard.

Building Bridges Through Sport: Connecting Black Youth and Law Enforcement Through Dialogue and Play

The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN), in collaboration with the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) Afro-Caribbean Canadian Internal Support Network, proudly launched the Building Bridges Program, an innovative initiative designed to foster understanding, trust, and collaboration between Black youth and law enforcement through the power of sport.

Held in Durham Region, the program brought together 50 Black youth aged 13–14 and 15 Black officers for a full day of connection, conversation, and co-creation. Through structured discussions and team-based sports activities, participants engaged in open dialogue around lived experiences, identity, and community while breaking down barriers often reinforced by misunderstanding and fear.

The initiative was co-developed with PC Jannelle Armorer and PC Melanie Moulton, and was led by Inspector David Palmer and Tiffany Warner. This program would not have been possible without the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI). These funds were created to remove barriers related to anti-Black racism and reflect Black voices in policies and programs that affect their lives.

As a national leader in sport-based equity initiatives, ICSN is committed to using sport as a tool for social change. The Building Bridges Program stands as a testament to what’s possible when communities come together to reimagine relationships—and to empower Black youth as leaders in shaping a more inclusive future.

View photos from the event and learn more about the Building Bridges Program here.

Canada’s First-Ever Black Leaders in Sports Day Marks a Historic Milestone

Ottawa, ON – The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) proudly hosted the inaugural Black Leaders in Sports Day on April 2nd in Ottawa, bringing together established and emerging Black sport professionals from across the Canadian amateur sports system.

For the first time in Canadian history, emerging leaders, sport administrators, coaches, officials, sports medicine experts, researchers, and marketing professionals gathered in one space to expand knowledge, collaborate, and provide unwavering support to one another in building a more inclusive and representative sports community.

Despite progress, Black individuals continue to face barriers in sports, from limited leadership opportunities to unequal access to resources. Recent Statistics Canada data reinforces the urgency of this conversation, underscoring the need for systemic change:

According to a Statistics Canada study released in 2025, over one-quarter (26%) of sports participants in athletic roles perceive racism and discrimination as prevalent issues in community sports. Within the broader sports community, racialized participants (12%) were three times more likely to report experiencing unfair treatment, racism, or discrimination compared to non-racialized participants (4%). These statistics highlight the systemic barriers that continue to affect Black professionals in the sports industry.

As a national organization committed to increasing BIPOC representation in sport leadership, ICSN works to dismantle barriers and create pathways for Black, Indigenous, and racialized professionals across the Canadian sports system. The success of Black Leaders in Sports Day is a reflection of ICSN’s broader mission to build equity through education, collaboration, and community empowerment.

Throughout the day, participants heard from influential voices including Associate Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, Andrew Brown, and representatives of Coaching Association of Canada, Canada Games Council, and Sport for Life.

The event, made possible through the support of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and Canadian Women & Sport, highlighted the importance of allyship in driving diversity forward in the Canadian sports system.

With the overwhelming success of this year’s event, ICSN looks forward to expanding Black Leaders in Sports Day in 2026 and beyond, ensuring that Black leaders in sport continue to have a space to collaborate, advocate, and lead meaningful change.

For more information, please contact Kim Pallarca at programs@inclusionincanadiansports.ca.

Passionate about making a difference in sport?

Join us at the annual Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC) for 3 days of learning, networking, and impact! The DISC welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and all levels of experience across Canada.

Exclusive hotel booking rates for all DISC attendees now until March 31st. Book your room now!

May 2-4, 2025
Hilton Meadowvale Mississauga
Connect with industry experts, gain valuable insights, and help shape the future of sports!

Secure your ticket today!

Exciting news!

The SPORT FOR ALL at the Diversity in Sports Conference Scholarship, funded by Visit Mississauga, helps reduce financial barriers for grassroots leaders to participate in the 3rd Annual Diversity in Sports Conference and contribute to advancing inclusion in Canadian sport!

Thank you to Visit Mississauga for partnering with us and making this possible!

Apply now

Empowering Change Through Story & Connection: DISC 2025 Schedule Highlights!

Join us for an impactful EDI experience at DISC 2025!

Here’s a glimpse of what awaits:

Day 1: Inspiring Presentations & A Powerful Story

A full day of impactful speaker sessions ending with an exclusive screening of “The Loyola Project,” a film that chronicles the historic 1963 Loyola Ramblers, a team that broke racial barriers and changed college basketball forever. Witness the power of sport to drive social change.

Day 2: Interactive Workshops & Networking Social

Dive into hands-on workshops designed to equip you with practical EDI tools from global leaders, followed by a vibrant networking event at The Rec Room!

Day 3: Expert EDI Insights & Closing Ceremony

Gain invaluable knowledge from leading EDI experts and participate in a powerful closing ceremony.

(Schedule subject to change)

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and become a catalyst for diversity, equity, and inclusion in sport!

2025 Diversity in Sports Conference Group Tickets

Teamwork makes the dream work!

Bring your team to the Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC) and save with our group discounts.

  • 3-4 people: $250 per person
  • 5-9 people: $200 per person
  • 10+ people: $150 per person

Learn together, grow together, and champion inclusion in sport!