Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s November newsletter! This month, ICSN is gearing up for the 4th Annual National Diversity in Sports Conference with a last call to apply for the Sport for All Scholarship, supporting grassroots leaders facing barriers to attend. Early bird conference tickets are also now available until December 31, 2025, with discounted rates for students, grassroots organizations, and groups.
November was a busy month for ICSN, with participation in major events across Canada including Baseball Canada’s Fall Convention, Sport NL’s Annual Summit, SEE BC 2025, and the FIFA World Cup 26 Toronto Volunteer Centre opening. ICSN also hosted impactful community initiatives such as the ICSN x Raptors 905 Leadership Event, the Detroit PALS/GEMS Workshop, and supported coaches at the Nike Coach Summit.
Looking ahead, ICSN will be attending the 2025 Toronto Sport Summit focused on sustaining community sport. ICSN continues to champion equity through resources like the Play Fair: Anti-Racism in Sport Toolkit, a free national resource empowering organizations to create inclusive sport spaces.
Community updates include the release of National Youth Services’ November Fast Facts, and this month’s Game Changer Spotlight recognizes Emerging BIPOC Leader Kobe Li for his outstanding leadership, community impact, and recent recognition as a Terry Fox Humanitarian Award recipient.
Discover career opportunities, upcoming events, and other ways you can support ICSN’s mission as we continue building a more inclusive and equitable sports community across Canada!

Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s October newsletter! This month, early bird tickets are now available for ICSN’s 4th Annual National Diversity in Sports Conference, taking place May 1–3, 2026 in Mississauga. The conference brings together sport leaders, practitioners, researchers, students, and community members from across Canada for three days of learning, networking, and action focused on advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in sport. Discounted rates are available, and the event will once again feature the Emerging BIPOC Leaders program.
ICSN has also opened expressions of interest for the 2nd Annual Black Leaders in Sports Day, happening in February 2026, building on the success of its historic inaugural gathering. In addition, ICSN will be represented at the 2025 Sport NL Summit, where President & CEO Shauna Bookal will deliver a keynote on building inclusive sport systems.
Resources and opportunities continue to grow, including the Play Fair: Anti-Racism in Sport Toolkit, a free national resource supporting organizations in creating safer, more inclusive sport environments. Community updates include Nike Canada’s Coach the Dream campaign, a volunteer call for the 2026 Ontario Summer Games in Waterloo Region, the release of National Youth Services’ October Fast Facts, and the launch of I·SPARC’s new cultural safety training focused on Indigenous inclusion in sport.
This month’s Game Changer Spotlight recognizes Okela Sylvester, an Emerging BIPOC Leader whose work in recreation, advocacy, and youth programming continues to shape more inclusive sport spaces.
Discover career opportunities, upcoming events, and other ways you can support ICSN’s mission as we continue building a more inclusive and equitable sports community across Canada!

Welcome to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network’s September newsletter! This month, ICSN is proud to announce the 4th Annual National Diversity in Sports Conference, taking place May 1–3, 2026 in Mississauga. Building on the sold-out success of 2025, the conference will bring together sport leaders from across Canada for expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, networking, and the Emerging BIPOC Leaders program, all focused on advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in sport.
ICSN also encourages the sport community to engage with the Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s Preliminary Report, which outlines key recommendations to strengthen safe sport, governance, leadership, and funding across the system. This is a vital opportunity to provide feedback and help shape the future of Canadian sport.
Community updates include celebrations for National Coaches Week (Sept 15–21), recognition of Concussion Awareness Week (Sept 21–27) with shared educational resources, and the launch of ICSN x Nike’s Make Moves campaign, encouraging girls to build confidence and joy through movement and music until October 1st.
This month’s Game Changer was Jordynn Bryan who made her impact in athletics with deep campus engagement as a former varsity basketball player and EDI Committee member at Western University.
Discover career opportunities, upcoming events, and other ways you can support ICSN’s mission as we continue building a more inclusive and equitable sports community across Canada!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!