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!

 2025 Diversity In Sports Conference Theme Announcement

Announcing the theme for the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference: Sport for All!

Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate and thrive in sport—regardless of background, ability, or identity. Yet, too many still face barriers, from financial and systemic challenges to discrimination and lack of access.

At DISC 2025, we’re bringing together leaders, advocates, and changemakers to break down these barriers and create real change through knowledge, collaboration, and action.

Join us May 2-4 and be part of the movement toward a truly inclusive sport landscape!

Join us for ICSN’s Annual Public Forum and AGM!

We’re excited to invite you to ICSN’s Annual Public Forum and AGM, taking place on Saturday, December 14th at 1:30 PM EST.

Join us as we reflect on an amazing year (2023-2024) filled with growth and exciting changes. We’ll be sharing updates on our impactful programs and initiatives, including our transition from the Black Canadian Coaches Association to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network.

This is your chance to:

  • Hear from ICSN leadership
  • Learn about our accomplishments and future plans
  • Connect with fellow members of the ICSN community

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate our collective journey towards a more inclusive sport landscape in Canada!

Register here.

Canada Games Indigenous Artist

The Canada Games Council is calling for Indigenous artists to submit designs for a licensed merchandise collection. Five artists will be selected to create artwork for a specific garment, and will be paid $2,000 for their work. The products will be sold online and at the 2025 Canada Games in St. John’s. The deadline for submissions is November 30, 2024.

Read more.