ICSN Welcomes New Team Members and Looks Ahead to Continued Growth

New staff bring fresh perspectives, skills and energy as ICSN continues building a more inclusive future for Canadian sport

 

Whitby, ON — September 18, 2026 — The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) is pleased to welcome five new members to its growing team as the organization looks ahead to its next chapter of programming, partnerships and impact across the Canadian sport system.

Joining ICSN are Kenza Derkaoui, Marketing & Communications Coordinator; Janae McKay, Accounting Specialist; Sharelle Samuel, Showbiga Buvanendran, and Ismail Hassan, who will join as Programs & Operations Interns; Taijon Graham, who will join as the Marketing & Communications Intern.

Each new team member brings their own experiences, perspectives and strengths to ICSN. Together, they will support the organization’s work across communications, programming, operations and community engagement while contributing to ICSN’s continued growth.

“We are excited to welcome Kenza, Sharelle, Showbiga, Ismail and Taijon to ICSN,” said Shauna Bookal, President & CEO of ICSN. “As our organization continues to grow, so does our ability to bring new voices and perspectives into our work. We’re excited about what this team will contribute and what we can accomplish together as we continue building a more inclusive and equitable sport system.”

 

Meet Our New Team Members

Kenza Derkaoui | Marketing & Communications Coordinator

“As an archivist at heart, I see communications as a way of preserving the moments and people that shape our collective future. ICSN is doing that work in real time by creating important spaces of celebration, advocacy, and connection in Canadian sport, and I’m honoured to help document and amplify that impact.”

Janae McKay | Accounting Specialist

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with an organization that is actively fighting for change and challenging the sports system to be more equitable and inclusive. ICSN has played a vital role in my own development as a BIPOC athlete, and I am proud to work with the team making a difference.”

Sharelle Samuel | Programs & Operations Intern

“I am thrilled to join ICSN and contribute to building a more inclusive, equitable sporting landscape. So many of the formative opportunities and paths in my life stem directly from my involvement in athletics. Having the chance to give back to this community and ensure everyone has equal access to those transformative experiences is a privilege I am deeply looking forward to.”

Showbiga Buvanendran | Programs & Operations Intern

“I’m excited to be part of the ICSN team. As someone who has grown up within a racialized and diverse community, being involved in sport, such as tennis, through community-based programming has shaped who I am today. As a result, I am inspired to give back to other communities on a systemic level by promoting inclusion, diversity, and representation in all levels in sport – from participation to leadership. I look forward to learning new lessons and making new friends! :)”

Ismail Hassan | Programs & Operations Intern

“ICSN has been instrumental in my own development as a BIPOC individual. I am extremely excited for the opportunity to be a part of an organization doing exceptional work in creating similar opportunities for others”

Taijon Graham | Marketing & Communications Intern

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to join ICSN, an organization that has supported my growth as an emerging BIPOC leader in the sport industry. I’m looking forward to contributing to the amazing work that ICSN does, while continuing to learn and develop my skills to help serve racialized communities.”

 

As ICSN looks toward the future, the organization is excited to continue strengthening its team and creating opportunities for the next generation of professionals and leaders to contribute to a more representative, inclusive and equitable Canadian sport system.

Welcome to the team, Kenza, Janae, Sharelle, Showbiga, Ismail and Taijon. The future of ICSN is bright, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.

ICSN Announces the 5th Annual National Diversity in Sports Conference – April 30–May 2, 2027

Whitby, ON — September 14, 2026 — The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) is proud to announce the 5th Annual National Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC), taking place April 30–May 2, 2027.

Building on the momentum of the 2026 conference, DISC returns for three days of powerful conversations, learning, connection, and collaboration focused on continuing to build a more inclusive and equitable Canadian sport system.

Now entering its fifth year, the National Diversity in Sports Conference brings together individuals from across the sport community to exchange ideas, learn from diverse perspectives, build meaningful connections, and turn conversations about inclusion into action.

The conference welcomes participants from across Canada and beyond, including:

  • National and Provincial Sport Organizations (NSOs and PSOs)
  • Coaches and officials
  • Sport administrators and professionals
  • Academics, researchers, and students
  • Grassroots and community sport organizations
  • Leaders and advocates advancing inclusion in sport
Save the date: April 30–May 2, 2027.

More information about the location, registration, speakers, workshops, and programming will be announced in the coming months.

To stay up to date on #DISC2027 news, Become a Gamechanger and join ICSN’s mailing list.

For Diversity in Sports Conference inquiries, please contact info@inclusionincanadiansports.ca.

Three days. Powerful conversations. New connections. Big ideas. One community committed to changing the future of sport.

ICSN Celebrates the Success of the FIFA26 Canada x ICSN Volunteer Program

Collaboration created meaningful pathways for diverse leaders to gain hands-on experience at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Canada


Whitby, ON — September 11, 2026 — Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) is celebrating the successful completion of the FIFA26 Canada x ICSN Volunteer Program, a national initiative designed to create meaningful leadership and professional development opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and racialized leaders through the FIFA26 Canada Volunteer Program.

The initiative grew from discussions between FIFA26 Canada and ICSN that began in 2024, focused on identifying meaningful ways to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in Canadian sport and create opportunities for communities that continue to be underrepresented within the sport system.


Through the collaboration, 26 volunteers from seven provinces across Canada were selected to participate, with representation from Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan. An additional 37 individuals from ICSN’s Game Changers Network accessed general volunteer opportunities through a dedicated registration code, extending the initiative’s reach even further.

The selected cohort brought together Emerging BIPOC Leaders, Game Changers, students, community leaders, sport leaders and newcomers, representing a wide range of cultures, backgrounds and lived experiences from across Canada.


From Opportunity to Experience

For ICSN, the program was intentionally designed to be more than a volunteer placement. It created a pathway for participants to gain practical experience, develop professional skills, build relationships and contribute directly to the delivery of one of the world’s largest sporting events.

Participants supported the FIFA26 Canada Volunteer Centres in Toronto and Vancouver during the recruitment phase, assisting with daily operations, bringing the volunteer spaces to life and guiding applicants through their volunteer journey. During tournament operations, participants moved into a range of functional-area volunteer roles, with opportunities to take on additional leadership responsibilities and gain hands-on experience within a major international sporting event.

The impact of those opportunities was reflected in participants’ own experiences following the tournament.

Phillip Kagoma, who volunteered with the Access Management team in Toronto, described the opportunity as an “incredible experience” and reflected on the power of sport to bring people and cultures together.

For Lara Soubihe, volunteering with the Arrivals & Departures team provided a new perspective on the work required behind the scenes to deliver an event of this scale. She shared that the experience strengthened her passion for the sport industry and reinforced her desire to continue building a career in the field.

Muskan Sehgal similarly reflected on the significance of representing the city she immigrated to and grew up in while participating in a once-in-a-lifetime global sporting event, while recognizing ICSN’s role in supporting BIPOC leaders in sport.

Together, these experiences demonstrate the broader purpose behind the initiative: creating access to spaces where emerging leaders can contribute, learn, build networks and see themselves as part of the future of Canada’s sport system.


A National Approach to Representation

With volunteers coming from coast to coast, the program demonstrated what intentional inclusion can look like when access and leadership development are built into major sporting events.

The 26 selected volunteers included 11 from Ontario, 4 from British Columbia, 4 from Manitoba, 3 from Alberta, 2 from Nova Scotia, 1 from New Brunswick and 1 from Saskatchewan.

Beyond geographic representation, participants reflected a rich diversity of cultures, heritages and identities and included leaders at different stages of their professional and community journeys.

“This program demonstrated what can happen when inclusion moves beyond conversation and becomes opportunity. Our participants weren’t simply present at the FIFA World Cup 2026 — they contributed, learned, built relationships and gained experience that they can carry forward into their careers and communities. We are incredibly proud of every volunteer who represented ICSN and grateful to FIFA26 Canada for working with us to create a pathway that reflected the diversity, talent and leadership that exists across Canada.”
— Shauna Bookal, President & CEO, Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network

 

Building a Legacy Beyond the Tournament

While the FIFA World Cup 2026 provided an extraordinary platform, the impact of the FIFA26 Canada x ICSN Volunteer Program extends beyond the tournament itself.

For ICSN, creating a more inclusive Canadian sport system means ensuring that historically underrepresented communities have opportunities not only to participate in sport, but to gain experience, build networks and develop as the administrators, coaches, officials, volunteers and leaders who will shape its future.

The FIFA26 Canada x ICSN Volunteer Program represents one example of how partnerships can turn commitments to diversity and inclusion into tangible opportunities.

The program’s success reinforces a simple principle at the heart of ICSN’s work: representation matters, but access, experience and pathways are what allow representation to grow into lasting change.

As ICSN continues its work across Canada, the organization will build on the connections, experiences and lessons generated through the initiative to create further opportunities for diverse leaders throughout the Canadian sport system.

More than volunteering. Building the future of sport.

ICSN Celebrates a Summer of Impact, Connection and Leadership Across Canadian Sport

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.

Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network and Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion Announce Strategic Alliance to Advance Equity and Inclusion in Sport

The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) and the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) are proud to announce a new partnership aimed at advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Canadian sport system.

Grounded in a shared commitment to building more inclusive and equitable environments, ICSN and CCDI will work collaboratively to support learning, capacity-building, and knowledge-sharing across sport organizations and communities.

This alliance will focus on co-developing and delivering educational opportunities, sharing resources and best practices, and supporting organizations in strengthening inclusive policies and practices within sport environments.

This collaboration is already underway, with CCDI’s participation as a vendor at the recent Diversity in Sport Conference (DISC) serving as an early step in bringing this partnership to life. Through this presence, both organizations are creating opportunities for engagement, knowledge-sharing, and connection with sport leaders from across the country.

As a recognized Multi-Sport Organization under Sport Canada, ICSN brings a national platform for convening leaders and advancing systems-level change in sport. CCDI contributes deep expertise in diversity and inclusion across sectors, including research, training, and organizational development.

Together, ICSN and CCDI aim to support sport leaders, organizations, and communities in moving beyond intention toward meaningful, measurable progress in equity and inclusion.

“This alliance reflects what’s possible when organizations come together with a shared commitment to advancing inclusion in sport,” said Shauna Bookal, President & CEO of ICSN. “The Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s Final Report highlights the need for sustained, collaborative approaches to inclusion. Together with CCDI, we are working to support organizations in embedding inclusive practices that are consistent, measurable, and impactful.”

“Sport has the power to shape culture, strengthen belonging, and create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and included. This alliance reflects a shared commitment to moving beyond intention and toward meaningful action that supports more equitable and inclusive experiences across the Canadian sport system. We are excited to collaborate with ICSN to help equip sport leaders and organizations with the tools, knowledge, and strategies needed to drive lasting change,” said Sartaj Sarkaria, President and CEO, CCDI.

Through this collaboration, ICSN and CCDI will continue to prioritize collective learning, shared accountability, and sustained engagement as key drivers of long-term change in sport.

About ICSN

The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) is a national not-for-profit multisport organization dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Canadian amateur sport system.

About CCDI

The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) is a national charitable organization established in 2013 with the mandate of building a more inclusive Canada by advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and justice across workplaces, schools, and communities of all sizes.

Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network Reflects on Impactful Fourth Annual Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC 2026)

The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) reflects on the success of its 4th Annual Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC 2026), held from May 1–3, 2026 at the Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale.

Over the course of three days, DISC 2026 brought together leaders, athletes, coaches, researchers, and changemakers from across Canada and beyond for meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and collective reflection on the future of sport. As the conference continues to grow, so too does its impact—creating a space where critical conversations are not only encouraged, but necessary.

Throughout the weekend, award-winning journalist Arash Madani guided the conference with clarity and intention, weaving together a program that reflected both the complexity of the sport system and the urgency of the work ahead.

 

Three Days of Dialogue, Reflection, and Action

The conference opened on Friday with sessions that immediately set a thoughtful and challenging tone. Dr. Sabrina Razack and Tiffany Donaldson led a powerful discussion rooted in the global controversy surrounding Brazilian footballer Vinícius Júnior, using the moment to examine how Black joy and self-expression in sport are often reframed as provocation, while racism itself is minimized. The conversation offered a critical lens on race, media narratives, and accountability within sport.

Building on this foundation, Victoria Wicks of the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce delivered a grounded and practical session highlighting systemic gaps in Canadian grassroots sport, calling on participants to move beyond awareness and toward meaningful accountability in their work.

Friday evening shifted toward storytelling and reflection, beginning with an RBC Training Ground fireside chat featuring Olympic bobsleigh pilot Cynthia Appiah. Moderated by Arash Madani, Appiah shared her journey of resilience and self-determination, including her decision to take control of her own path in sport by learning to drive the sled herself. Her story set a powerful tone that carried throughout the conference. The evening concluded with a screening of the Tigers Skate Club documentary—spotlighting a grassroots movement creating inclusive spaces for femme-identifying and non-binary skateboarders—followed by an opening networking reception.

Saturday marked the conference’s most immersive day, with concurrent workshops and dedicated programming that allowed participants to engage deeply across a range of topics. Facilitators from ISCA and Skateistan shared community-driven approaches to working with refugee and displaced populations through sport, emphasizing trust, co-design, and lived experience. Dr. Ryan Storr of Proud2Play (Australia) introduced a research-backed “Rainbow Roadmap” for advancing LGBTIQA+ inclusion within organizations, while Archie Allison of Variety Village provided practical tools for creating accessible environments across all abilities—reinforcing that EveryBODY belongs in sport.

The Emerging BIPOC Leaders (EBL) stream offered a parallel space for growth, mentorship, and honest dialogue. Sessions led by the CO-PLAY Network, Maame De-Heer, Dakota Whyte, and Dr. Sabrina Razack explored leadership, identity, and career development within the sport sector. ICSN President & CEO Shauna Bookal joined the EBL cohort for a candid mentorship session, offering insight into leadership at the national level and encouraging emerging leaders to step confidently into their roles.

Later in the day, the full conference reconvened for a Sport for Life plenary that brought together Indigenous Ways of Knowing and newcomer-focused practices, reinforcing that conversations around equity, diversity, and inclusion are inseparable from broader human experiences. The Brock University SAIL Lab closed the day with the introduction of the READII framework—Representation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, Inclusion, and Integration—providing a practical tool for examining bias and fostering more inclusive sport environments.

Saturday evening culminated in DISC’s signature Speed Networking Event, where participants connected across sectors in a dynamic and engaging format, extending the energy of the day into meaningful new relationships.

Sunday’s programming continued to build on this momentum. Zechariah Thomas, founder of Swift Hockey, delivered a keynote that resonated deeply with attendees, sharing an unfiltered account of building a national brand without traditional pathways or resources. His message challenged participants to move with intention, embrace identity, and create opportunity rather than wait for it.

The conference also addressed critical issues related to safe sport. Lindsay Lobb of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection led an important session on the non-consensual distribution of intimate images affecting athletes, equipping attendees with practical tools and resources to better protect and support individuals within their communities.

DISC 2026 concluded with the annual awards ceremony, celebrating leaders and organizations driving meaningful change across the sport sector. The closing luncheon and final networking moments offered space for reflection, connection, and a shared commitment to continue the work beyond the conference.

 

A Movement Beyond the Conference

While DISC 2026 marked the end of a three-day gathering, it reinforced a larger and ongoing movement.

“This conference continues to demonstrate what is possible when we create intentional spaces for honest dialogue, shared learning, and collective action,” said Shauna Bookal, President & CEO of ICSN. “DISC is not just an event—it is part of a broader effort to transform sport in Canada into a system where everyone can truly belong.”

The conversations and insights from DISC 2026 echo the calls outlined in the Final Report of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission, which emphasizes the need for sustained, coordinated efforts to address systemic barriers in sport. DISC continues to serve as a platform where these conversations are brought to life—through people, practice, and community.

 

Looking Ahead

ICSN remains committed to advancing this work through its programs and partnerships, including the Diversity in Sports Conference, Black Leaders in Sports Day, and the Emerging BIPOC Leaders program. As momentum continues to build, the focus remains on translating dialogue into action and ensuring that the impact of DISC extends far beyond the conference space.

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.