AthletesCAN Announces the 49th Canadian Sport Awards in Partnership with the Sport Summit
Toronto, ON – AthletesCAN is proud to announce that the 49th Canadian Sport Awards (CSAs) will take place October 21, 2026 in Calgary, AB, in partnership with the Sport Summit, bringing together athletes, sport leaders, and industry changemakers for a celebration of excellence, leadership, and the power of sport in Canada.
Since 1972, the Canadian Sport Awards have recognized the athletes, coaches, journalists and supporters. As one of the country’s longest-standing celebrations, the awards honour those who inspire excellence, drive positive change, and leave a lasting legacy within their communities and across the sport system.
This year’s partnership with the Sport Summit represents a shared commitment to creating meaningful conversations and lasting change across the Canadian sport landscape. Together, the organizations aim to foster collaboration, strengthen connections across the sector, and elevate the voices shaping the future of sport.
“The Canadian Sport Awards have always been an opportunity to celebrate the athletes, leaders, and contributors who inspire excellence and strengthen sport in Canada,” shared Susanne Wereley, President of AthletesCAN. “We are proud to partner with the Sport Summit because we share a vision of bringing the sport community together, not only to recognize achievement, but also to create opportunities for meaningful connection and dialogue. At a pivotal moment for Canadian sport, as the Future of Sport in Canada Commission calls on all of us to build a safer, stronger, and more sustainable sport system, this partnership provides a unique opportunity to celebrate excellence while fostering the conversations and relationships needed to move sport forward.”
Created from a passion for improving the sport experience for everyone involved, the Sport Summit was built to unite like-minded individuals dedicated to supporting athletes, organizations, staff, vendors, and fans through collaboration rather than competition. Through thought-provoking discussions and shared experiences, attendees are encouraged to explore solutions to the challenges facing sport today while identifying opportunities to create a stronger future for sport in Canada.
“This partnership between AthletesCAN and Sport Summit represents exactly what the sports industry needs more of—meaningful collaboration that brings people together to strengthen the Canadian sport community. Partnering with AthletesCAN reinforces our commitment to fostering conversations, sharing knowledge, and creating a stronger future for sport in Canada. Together, we’re not just building events; we’re building a community that inspires innovation, leadership, and lasting impact which is why this makes AthletesCan an exceptional partner in shaping the future of sport”
– Lesley Plumley, Founder, Sport Summit
Together, the Sport Summit and the Canadian Sport Awards offer a unique opportunity to connect with peers, learn from industry leaders, contribute to important conversations and celebrate Canada’s sport community.
Nominations for the 49th Canadian Sport Awards are now open. Additional details regarding ticket sales, programming and announcements will be released in the coming weeks.
About AthletesCAN
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. As the voice of over 6,000 current and recently retired Canadian national team athletes, AthletesCAN membership spans 68 sports across the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan/Parapan American, and Commonwealth Games, and those currently funded by Sport Canada competing at Senior World Championships. AthletesCAN ensures an athlete-centered sport system by developing athlete leaders who influence sport policy and, as role models, inspire a strong sport culture, through educational resources, support, training and professional development.
Follow the #AthleteVoice on social @AthletesCAN
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jennifer Hopmans
Manager, Digital Marketing & Communications
AthletesCAN
613-526-4025 Ext. 224
[email protected]
About Sport Summit
The Sport Summit 2026 presented by Adrenalin Group was created so that intimate and meaningful conversations can happen around the business of sports. Make true connections with sponsors, vendors, and other sports organizations. Being in a more intimate setting will help you engage colleagues and experts in areas that may assist your organization.
Collaboration over competition is crucial in this world now, with a main focus on business in sports. Sports networking events provide a platform for like-minded individuals to come together, share their passion for sports, and build a sense of community.
Follow at @sportsummitnorthamerica or visit the Sport Summit
