AthletesCAN, the association of Canada’s national team athletes, is the only fully independent and most inclusive athlete organization in the country and the first organization of its kind in the world. Founded by athletes, for athletes, AthletesCAN represents Canada’s national team athletes and champions their collective voice. Through leadership, advocacy, and connection, AthletesCAN empowers athletes to contribute to the future of sport in Canada and ensures their perspectives are reflected in the decisions that impact them.
MISSION: Why we exist
As the collective voice of Canada’s national team athletes, AthletesCAN advocates for an athlete-centered sport system and connects athletes to the resources, leadership opportunities, and supports they need to thrive.
VISION: What we aspire to be
A Canadian sport system where the athlete voice is central, respected, and embedded in decision-making.
VALUES: What we believe in
AthletesCAN promotes and lives the following athlete focused values in our work and through our actions:
- Athlete-First: Athletes’ lived experiences guide our priorities and actions.
- Courage: We speak up, challenge the system, and advocate for change.
- Credibility: We are informed, trusted, and evidence-based.
- Collaboration: We work with partners to strengthen the sport system.
- Excellence: We focus on impact, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Our Story
AthletesCAN serves an important and unique purpose in sport. Led by a committed group of current and retired national team athletes – AthletesCAN benefits from a rich history.
Over three decades ago, passionate trailblazers including three-time World Indoor Championship bronze medalist and Pan Am Champion Ann Peel (Race Walking); two-time Commonwealth Games Champion and two-time Pan Am Games silver medalist Dan Thompson (Swimming); ‘Crazy Canuck’ and Olympic bronze medalist Steve Podborski (Alpine Skiing); 1988 Olympian, Heather Clarke (Rowing); 2-time Olympic Champion Kay Worthington (Rowing); 1984 Olympian, Sandra Levy (Field Hockey); 1984 and 1988 Olympian, Shelley Steiner (Fencing), Tour de France Women’s Champion, Pan Am Games bronze medallist and 2012 and 2016 Olympic coach, Denise Kelly (Cycling); and former CEO of Freestyle Canada Bruce Robinson, came together to challenge the Canadian sport system. They identified the need for and founded an independent body, then known as the Canadian Athletes Association, that would represent ALL national team athletes as a stronger collective voice on key issues and initiatives in sport. These early days helped to build an increasingly athlete-centered sport system and provided hundreds of athletes with the opportunity to contribute in a number of important ways.
Since then, AthletesCAN has invested in athlete leadership development through effective representation and education. The organization has created resources to build and formalize athlete feedback mechanisms across the sport system. As a result of strengthening strategic partnerships both within and outside of the system, AthletesCAN has continued to pioneer innovative ways to ensure inclusive decision-making by informing, educating, and advocating for an athlete-centered sport system.
