Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network's monthly newsletter!
We’re thrilled to bring you the latest updates on our accomplishments and programs, as well as highlight the remarkable achievements of your fellow community members who are actively driving progress in promoting inclusion within the realm of sports.
2025 ICSN Newsletters
August
Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s August newsletter! This month, we are proud to share a historic milestone: ICSN has been officially recognized as a Multisport Organization (MSO) under Sport Canada, the only one dedicated to addressing racism, advancing equity, and promoting diversity in Canadian sport. This recognition coincides with the release of the Canadian Sport Policy 2025–2035 and the Federal-Provincial/Territorial Ministers responsible for Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (SPARC) meeting, where racism was recognized as a barrier for the first time.
We also invite our community to get involved: apply now to volunteer for the FIFA World Cup 2026 using the code “ICSN,” complete the Future of Sport in Canada public survey, and take part in the federal Pre-Budget Consultations to ensure equity-seeking voices are heard.
Our Emerging BIPOC Leaders attended the UNMATCHED: Gender Equity in Sport Conference, where they connected with trailblazer Dawn Staley, and the Women in Sports Summit in Montreal, hosted by the Mathurin Family Foundation, highlighting the importance of mentorship, equity, and representation.
This month’s Game Changer spotlight celebrates Abygail Montague, co-founder of BLK OWNED HAMONT and a dynamic advocate for inclusive leadership, entrepreneurship, and student empowerment. We also encourage you to explore the Play Fair: Anti-Racism in Sport Toolkit, a free resource to create lasting change in the Canadian sport system.
Discover career opportunities, upcoming events, and ways to support ICSN’s mission as we continue building a more inclusive and equitable sport community across Canada!
July
Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s July newsletter! This month, we celebrate Disability Pride Month, a time to honour the strength, brilliance, and lived experiences of the disability community. At ICSN, we remain committed to challenging ableism and advancing accessibility in sport and beyond.
This July also marks a major milestone: 5 years of ICSN, formerly known as the Black Canadian Coaches Association. We’re proud to reflect on the progress made toward equity and inclusion in Canadian sport and invite you to explore our 5-Year Impact Report and watch the recap of the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference.
We also highlight ICSN’s participation in the 2025 espnW Summit Canada, where 14 Emerging BIPOC Leaders engaged in powerful conversations and networking. Plus, don’t miss the launch of our new YouTube channel featuring videos from signature programs like Building Bridges and Black Leaders in Sports Day.
This month’s Game Changer spotlight features Christine Hyde, a trailblazing coach and new Head Coach of the University of Guelph Women’s Basketball Team. We also share a research opportunity for Black women athletes and job postings from the 2025 Canada Games and FIFA 2026.
Explore these updates and join us in promoting inclusivity in Canadian sports!
June
Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s June newsletter! This month, we honour both National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month—celebrating the strength, resilience, and contributions of Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Canadian sport. We invite our network to explore the Play Fair: Anti-Racism in Sport Toolkit, a free resource to help create more inclusive spaces across all levels of sport.
We’re also excited to announce the launch of our Charitable Impact Giving Page—a new way for supporters to help us advance equity and representation in amateur sports and the ICSN Gallery. ICSN President & CEO Shauna Bookal recently met with policymakers and government leaders in Ottawa to raise awareness about systemic racism and discrimination in sport.
Recent highlights include our participation in the Sport Equity Hub – Toronto Region Forum, which featured the unveiling of a roadmap for collective action in community sport, and more.
Don’t miss our Game Changer spotlight on Averi Doxtator, a standout water polo athlete and Indigenous youth advocate. We also share career opportunities, upcoming events like the Annual General Meeting on June 25, and valuable tools like the Flag Tool and New-to-Canada Sport Development Webinar.
Explore these updates and join us in promoting inclusivity in sport!
May
Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sport’s Network’s May newsletter! We kicked off this month with the 3rd Annual Diversity In Sports Conference. The sold out event brought together 350+ changemakers from across the country and 20+ speakers to spark bold conversations and drive meaningful action in sport. This year’s event marked a pivotal moment for equity in Canadian sport, bringing purpose, progress and passion into one transformative space.
This issue features a unique Gamechangers Highlight – instead of one individual, we are highlighting ALL of our Emerging BIPOC Leaders, who are inspiring young trailblazers who aren’t waiting for the future; they’re building it now. More than 100 emerging BIPOC Leaders, between the ages of 18 and 26, attended the Diversity in Sports Conference. Explore more updates and join us in promoting inclusivity in sports!
April
Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s April newsletter! This month, we’re celebrating the successful launch of Canada’s first-ever Black Leaders in Sports Day, a historic milestone that brought together Black professionals across all levels of Canadian sport. We also continue to amplify inclusive practices through our Building Bridges Program, highlighting powerful collaborations between Black youth and local law enforcement.
Recent highlights include gearing up for the 3rd Annual Diversity in Sports Conference, and exciting announcements about speakers, workshops, and registration updates. Plus, check out our new Game Changer spotlight and recent media coverage showcasing the impact of our work. Explore these updates and join us in promoting inclusivity in sports!
March
Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s March newsletter! This month, we’re continuing the Post-Secondary Inclusion in Sport Webinar Series. We’re also excited to announce a scholarship opportunity available for grassroots organizations, along with new details about the Diversity in Sport Conference 2025. Additionally, we are looking for organizations, brands, and changemakers eager to make a lasting impact. Stay tuned for brand-new updates on Olympic athletes participating in the RBC Training Ground Qualifier events and more.
Recent highlights include our attendance at The Canadian Black Standard: The Huddle event. Plus, don’t miss your chance to get your tickets now for the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference! Check out our Game Changer highlight and upcoming events, along with job opportunities at ICSN, the 2025 Canada Games, and Golf Canada. Explore these updates and join us in promoting inclusivity in sports!
February
Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s February newsletter! This month, we’re excited to continue the Post-Secondary Inclusion in Sport Webinar Series. We also have an announcement about guest speakers for the Diversity in Sports Conference, more details can be found in the newsletter. Additionally, McGill’s Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education is seeking research study participants to explore eating disorders. We also provide updates on the RBC Training Ground qualifying event schedule.
Recent highlights include our attendance at the WISE Toronto: Women of Inspiration event. We also invite you to join ICSN President Shauna Bookal for a Virtual Lunch & Learn. Don’t miss our Game Changer highlights and upcoming events, along with job opportunities from the Canadian Olympic Committee and the 2025 Canada Games. Explore these updates and join us in promoting inclusivity in sports!
January
Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s January newsletter! This month, we’re excited to continue the Post-Secondary Inclusion in Sport Webinar Series, building on the success of our 2024 sessions. Get ready for the Diversity in Sports Conference (DISC) 2025 with early registration and exclusive discounts, more details are available in the newsletter. We’re also thrilled to share an exciting opportunity for youth and adult mentors through the Youth Ambassadors Program with Canada.
Additionally, we spotlight Amaya Athill of Golf Canada, the recipient of the Warren Crosbie Community Leader of the Year Award.
Recent highlights include a feature on an emerging BIPOC leader who is driving the growth of flag football in Ontario. Don’t miss our Game Changer features and career opportunities for the 2025 Canada Games. Explore these updates and join us in promoting inclusivity in sports!
2024 ICSN Newsletters
December
Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s December newsletter! This month, we’re pleased to announce that the Post-Secondary Inclusion in Sport Webinar Series has successfully concluded for 2024. We look forward to continuing this series in the new year. Additionally, we’re excited to promote the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference, read the full newsletter for more details. ICSN also held its Annual General Meeting and Public Forum on December 14th. This virtual event brought together members of the ICSN community to reflect on the past year’s achievements and discuss the organization’s future direction.
Recent highlights include a successful networking event hosted by ICSN in partnership with the Raptors 905 basketball team. We also attended the Canadian Women & Sport Rally Report launch and participated in the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO) Report launch, which focused on the state of coaching in Ontario, including a deep dive into the issue of hazing. Don’t miss our Game Changer features and job opportunities at the Northern Super League and Queen’s University. Explore these updates and join us in promoting inclusivity in sports!
November
Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s November newsletter! This month, we’re excited to announce that the Post-Secondary Webinar Series, facilitated by DIECE, has officially begun. We are also calling on all racialized and women high-performance coaches to participate in a new research study. Additionally, we are thrilled to spotlight the founders of Dribble Dreams Kenya, Kumail Khilji and Ismail Hassan and their mission to organize a free 5-day basketball camp at FEBA – Diwopa Catholic School for 200 kids (100 girls and 100 boys) aged 6-18.
In terms of announcements, The Future of Sport in Canada Commission is conducting cross-country consultations to gather diverse perspectives on safe sport and the Canadian sport system. Recent highlights include our participation in the Financial Support for Community Initiatives session at the Greater Toronto Hockey League Breakout Summit. ICSN President, Shauna Bookal, was also invited to speak at the Action for Healthy Communities Collective Action Forum on November 2nd, 2024. Don’t miss our Game Changer features, upcoming events, and job opportunities with ICSN. Explore these updates and join us in promoting inclusivity in sports!
October
Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s October newsletter! This month, we’re happy to announce that RISE has officially kicked off the Post Secondary Inclusion in Sports Webinars Series. We’re also promoting an independent Black-led film, Black 2 Golf, which tells the story of two young individuals discovering the sport of golf.Additionally, we spotlight the SDRCC’s request for proposals for an EDI Action Plan and celebrate our Board Member Andrew Paris for receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Recent highlights include our participation in the Support Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI) Conference, the Canadian Leadership Summit, the National Builders Gala, and the Black Montreal Film Festival. Don’t miss our Game Changer features and job opportunities at McMaster University, the University of Ottawa, and the Canadian Armed Forces. Explore these updates and join us in promoting inclusivity in sports!
September
Welcome to the September Newsletter of the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN)! This month, we celebrate the rich diversity of cultural groups in Canada while sharing updates, highlights, and upcoming programs in the amateur sports community dedicated to empowering Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC). We’re excited to announce that the Play Fair: Anti-Racism in Sport Toolkit is now available as a free resource to help organizations foster inclusion and diversity. Join our Lunch & Learn Webinar Series to explore the toolkit further.
Additionally, don’t miss the SDRCC Public Meeting on September 23, focusing on safety in sports, and the Moses 13 Steps Film Premiere from September 25-29, which highlights Edwin Moses’ journey as a champion for equality. We also spotlight Kumail Khilji and Ismail Hassan’s initiative, Dribble Dreams Kenya, which offers free basketball clinics to youth. Finally, explore various career opportunities in the sports sector. For more details, scroll down to learn about these initiatives and more!
August
Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s August newsletter! This month, we’re excited to launch the Play Fair: Anti-Racism in Sports Toolkit and open registration for our Lunch & Learn Webinar Series. We also spotlight our Breaking Barriers in Swimming programs in Ajax and Waterloo.
Recent highlights include ICSN’s participation in the UNMATCHED conference and the National Bank Open Tennis Tournament. Don’t miss our Game Changer features and job opportunities at McMaster University, Queen’s University, and more. Explore these updates and join us in promoting inclusivity in sports!
July
Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s July newsletter! This month, we open registration for the Anti-Racism Sport Toolkit AND the Post-Secondary Lunch & Learn Webinar Series, and highlight our Breaking Barriers in Swimming programs in Ajax and Waterloo. Recent updates include ICSN’s presence at the ESPNW Summit and various program announcements. Check out our Game Changer highlights and job opportunities at McMaster University, the Toronto Raptors, Nipissing University, and Queen’s University. Learn more about our initiatives and join us in celebrating inclusivity in sports!
June
Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s June newsletter! This month, we celebrate various cultural heritage months and highlight our achievements, such as funding 30 BIPOC collegiate coaches. The University of Waterloo and Ajax Aquatic Club are launching inclusive swimming programs. Mark your calendars for the 3rd Annual Diversity in Sports Conference in May 2025. We’ve also secured $820,500 in funding to support gender equity and diversity initiatives. Check out our programs, updates, and job opportunities on our website!
May
Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s May newsletter! This month, we reflect on the success of the 2nd Annual Diversity in Sports Conference and announce the 3rd Annual Diversity in Sports Conference for May 2025. Recent updates include the WNBA expanding to Canada, the launch of the Indigenous Coach and Officials Bursary, and our Breaking Barriers in Swimming Program. We also highlight initiatives like BIPOC Women in Golf. Explore our programs, updates, and job opportunities on our website!
April
Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s April Newsletter! Registration for our Diversity in Sports Conference, closing April 30th, offers workshops and training to support equity, diversity, and inclusion in sports. Recent updates include new head coaches at Humber Hawks and Capilano University. Our Breaking Barriers in Swimming Program aims to boost BIPOC representation through free lessons and training. We’re also seeking participants for anti-racism focus groups to advance racial equity in sport.
March
Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s March newsletter! With Jumpstart’s support, we’re enhancing our programming and ensuring sports remain accessible (jumpstart.canadiantire.ca). The Next Play Program offers grants to Ontario organizations to create inclusive sport opportunities for girls and gender-diverse youth. Tickets for the 2nd Annual Diversity in Sport Conference are now on sale for May 3-5. Project 8 is developing Canada’s first women’s professional soccer league, launching in 2025. For more details, visit project8.ca.
February
Welcome to the ICSN February newsletter! This month, we highlight Hockey Canada’s EDI Path Forward framework, reinforcing its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Tickets for the second annual Diversity in Sports Conference, happening in May, are now on sale. The Black Beyond Sport kickoff event during NHL All-Star Weekend celebrated promising BIPOC student-athletes, and the MLSE Foundation’s Change the Game Campaign engaged over 25,000 Ontario youth in sport research. Waterloo Minor Soccer Club’s BIPOC Equity Scholarship and the historic “Battle on Bay Street” women’s hockey game are also featured. Upcoming programs include the CFL’s Diversity in Football Program and the Newcomer Coach Mentorship Program.
January
Welcome to the Inclusion in Sport Network’s first 2024 newsletter! We’re excited to highlight our latest achievements and initiatives promoting inclusion in sports. Our Black-led organization supports BIPOC individuals in Canadian amateur sports through celebration, advocacy, and networking.
Key updates include the Hijabi Ballers Project empowering Muslim female athletes, the Sport Safety Round Table outcomes, and the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s new financial rewards for medalists. We also introduce the upcoming BIPOC Mentorship Program, Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league by Project 8, and the Emerging Leaders Sports Leadership Program. Don’t miss the return of the Diversity in Sports Conference this May.
