Category: News

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. 

AthletesCAN is excited to partner with AIMA E-Bikes to offer a unique ambassador opportunity for athletes who embody a healthy, active lifestyle and enjoy inspiring others through their everyday actions.

AIMA is a growing E-Bike brand in Canada that believes active transportation can make daily life healthier, more enjoyable, and more sustainable. They’re looking to connect with athletes who can authentically share how an E-Bike enhances their lifestyle; whether that’s commuting to training, running errands, exploring their community, or recovering after a workout.

What’s included?

• An AIMA E-Bike provided as part of a value-in-kind ambassador partnership
• Opportunities for content creation and storytelling support
• A chance to help promote active, healthy, and sustainable living

Why E-Bikes?
AIMA’s pedal-assist technology helps riders go farther and tackle daily transportation with ease while still enjoying the benefits of movement and exercise. eBikes can:

• Make commuting and errands more efficient
• Help reduce traffic and fuel costs
• Support a more environmentally friendly lifestyle
• Extend ride distances and make active transportation more accessible
• Provide a practical way to stay active between training and competition

If you’re passionate about healthy living, enjoy sharing your experiences, and would be interested in becoming an AIMA athlete ambassador, please fill out the application. 

AthletesCAN is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the 49th Canadian Sport Awards!

For nearly five decades, the Canadian Sport Awards have celebrated the individuals who make sport in Canada extraordinary. Recognizing outstanding athletes, journalists, and dedicated supporters, these awards honour the excellence, leadership, and contributions that make an impact.

The 2026 Canadian Sport Awards will take place in October, with more details to be announced soon. We invite the sport community from coast to coast to coast to help recognize the remarkable people or organizations, whose passion, commitment, and impact continue to inspire others, strengthen communities, and shape the future of sport in Canada.

The awards to be presented in 2026 are: 

• #AthleteVoice Award – Rep of the Year
• AthletesCAN Social Responsibility Award
• Athlete Support Award
• Bruce Kidd Leadership Award
• Game Plan Champion Award
• People’s Choice Award – Most Trending Moment
• Randy Starkman Award for Leadership in Sports Journalism
• True North Star Award (formerly True Sport Award)

Nominate someone for a Canadian Sport Award:

AthletesCAN Launches New Strategic Plan

AthletesCAN is proud to announce the launch of its new 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, setting a bold direction for the organization’s next chapter and reaffirming its commitment to elevating the athlete voice across Canada’s sport system.

Developed and shaped by athletes, for athletes, the Strategic Plan reflects the priorities, realities, and evolving needs of Canadian national team athletes.

Athletes were clear about what success looks like:

• Athletes know what supports and resources are available
• Athletes come to AthletesCAN for positive connection, not only when there is a crisis
• Advocacy leads to real, meaningful changes in the sport system
• AthletesCAN is recognized as an indispensable part of the Canadian sport system

This plan reflects today’s realities – funding pressures, Safe Sport reform, and system change – while remaining flexible enough to adapt as the sport system evolves. 

The strategic framework is centered around two core pillars:

1. Awareness     2. Services & Resources

These two pillars reflect AthletesCAN’s primary value to athletes and the sport system. Advocacy and system influence are essential to delivering this work and are addressed as enabling elements that support, and are embedded within both pillars.

The launch of the Strategic Plan marks an exciting milestone for AthletesCAN as we continue to strengthen athlete leadership, foster connection, and advocate for an athlete-centered sport system. 

Athlete Leaders Celebrate a Generational Investment in Sport 

Federal Government’s Spring Economic Update – Sport Funding

Athlete leaders from across Canada recognize and celebrate this landmark investment in the future of sport – a defining moment for sport in Canada. We welcome this 5 year, $755 million investment from the Government of Canada and thank Prime Minister Mark Carney and Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden for listening to the sport community and recognizing the essential role sport plays in building a strong, inclusive, connected country. 

Athletes have long been powerful advocates for progress and positive change within the sport system. This moment reflects the impact of those voices and underscores the importance of continued collaboration between athletes, government, and system partners to build something better.

This next-generation investment supports not only high performance athletes, but also communities and Canadians from coast to coast to coast.  It represents one of the most significant federal commitments to sport in recent history – a clear signal that sport matters and that its impact extends far beyond the field of play.

Canada has a real opportunity to undertake true sport system reform and modernization by improving efficiency and strengthening alignment to ensure the system better serves Canadians.

As we move forward, we will continue to advocate for more resources to flow directly to athletes at every stage of the pathway, from grassroots participation to high performance. Athletes are the heartbeat of the system, and sustained progress depends on providing them with the tools, environments, and support needed to succeed.

We look forward to working collaboratively with partners across the system to turn this historic investment into lasting impact for athletes and for all Canadians.

Advancing Athlete Support: A Collaborative Path for the Future of Sport in Canada

Throughout the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, we saw both inspiring performances and important conversations emerge from athletes across Canada. Many have spoken candidly about the realities of training and competing at the highest level, including the ongoing challenges related to financial support and system navigation.

At this important moment, the Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s release of its final report represents a significant and timely opportunity for reflection and progress. We commend the Future of Sport in Canada Commission for its extensive work and engagement with stakeholders across the country. The report provides a comprehensive overview that can help guide meaningful, system-wide improvements in support of Canadian athletes.

As athlete organizations, we are united in our strong and continued desire to collaborate with key actors across the Canadian sport system – including government partners, national and provincial sport organizations, and system leaders – to ensure that the report’s findings translate into real, measurable change for athletes.

We also acknowledge recent comments from Prime Minister Mark Carney indicating that athlete funding and support will be reviewed over the next six months. We see this as an important and complementary step, and an opportunity to align efforts with the broader recommendations outlined in the Commission’s report. Prime Minister Carney specifically said that “we may come to organizers and others to see how to get it right”, and we hope that the voice of the athletes will be central in these discussions.

Throughout our engagement with the Commission, we consistently emphasized several key priorities such as mandated athlete representation, strengthened safe sport reporting mechanisms, and improved resource efficiency across sport organizations. These priorities, among others, remain central to strengthening athlete support in Canada and the broader goal of building a more athlete-centred sport system. (See public submissions here: AthletesCAN, Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission)

Given the depth and importance of the Commission’s report, we will be taking the necessary time to review its findings in detail. In the coming weeks, we look forward to engaging collaboratively with partners across the system to move beyond the report and take an intentional action-oriented approach to re-define a sport system that serves both today’s athletes and future generations.

We remain committed to working together to strengthen athlete support in Canada and to ensuring that this moment leads to meaningful, lasting progress.

AthletesCAN Announces Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island as Host City for the 2027 AthletesCAN Forum

TORONTO, ON – AthletesCAN is excited to announce Charlottetown as the official host city for the 2027 AthletesCAN Forum and Canadian Sport Awards. Scheduled for Fall 2027, the Forum will bring together Canada’s national team athlete representatives on the East Coast for an immersive leadership experience designed to empower athletes to drive meaningful change in the sport system. The Canadian Sport Awards will kick off the weekend, celebrating the achievements and contributions of Canada’s sport community.

The AthletesCAN Forum is the largest and most inclusive gathering of Canada’s national team athletes outside of competition. As part of its shift to a biennial format, the Forum will next take place in 2027, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to long-term sustainability and delivering a meaningful, high-impact experience for athlete representatives across the country. Representatives from 68 sports will come together to connect, collaborate, and strengthen their capacity to lead. Through interactive workshops, seminars, and presentations, participants will deepen their understanding of the sport system, share ideas, and build the networks necessary to shape an athlete-centered sport environment.

“We’re thrilled to bring the 2027 AthletesCAN Forum and Canadian Sport Awards to Charlottetown,” shared Susanne Wereley, President of AthletesCAN. “Prince Edward Island’s strong sense of community and welcoming spirit make it an ideal setting for athlete leaders to come together, build meaningful connections, and engage in important conversations about the future of sport in Canada.”

Set against the Island’s vibrant culture and scenic coastal landscape, the 2027 AthletesCAN Forum will offer athletes more than just a meeting space. Charlottetown’s supportive sport environment, thriving local culture, and walkable downtown provide a dynamic backdrop for athletes representatives to reconnect, recharge, and deepen relationships across sports. 

“Charlottetown is proud to host the 2027 AthletesCAN Forum and Canadian Sport Awards in our beautiful city,” said Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown. “As an award-winning sport event hosting destination, we understand the importance of hosting gatherings that advance excellence, connection, and leadership across all levels of sport. The City of Charlottetown is thrilled to partner with Meet PEI to create an unforgettable experience for all participants, and we look forward to welcoming athlete leaders from across the nation.”

Further details regarding dates, registration, and programming will be announced in the coming months.

New year. New skills. Real leadership growth.

AthletesCAN Statement on the Federal Budget 2025

Toronto, ON (November 7, 2025) — The Federal Budget 2025 reinforces Canada’s commitment to long-term investment and growth. While we are, as athletes, disappointed that no new National High Performance Sport–specific funding was announced, AthletesCAN remains hopeful. This is a pivotal moment to imagine what’s possible and to ensure that sport is recognized as a key pillar in Canada’s nation-building vision.

AthletesCAN acknowledges the government’s continued investment in initiatives that strengthen communities and expand access to sport and recreation across the country. Support for community programming through the Build Communities Strong Fund, increased mental health support, infrastructure, and sustained CBC coverage reflects a clear commitment to growing participation and celebrating the power of sport in Canada.

However, national team athletes are frustrated and continue to face growing financial and systemic challenges. Without increased investment in high-performance sport, many athletes struggle to meet the rising costs of training, equipment, and travel while representing Canada on the world stage. Even as sport unites Canadians around major events like the Olympic and Paralympic Games, athletes need more support year-round – long after the cameras are turned off and the medals are won.

Grace Dafoe, AthletesCAN Board Member and Skeleton National Team Athlete, weighs in on the financial struggles that national team athletes face. “As a currently competing Canadian athlete, I know how real the funding challenges are. We need to keep advocating to ensure athletes have the support they need to perform. I’m hopeful that with more awareness and honest conversations about what it takes to compete for Canada, athletes will be recognized and heard in the future.” 

AthletesCAN recognizes that meaningful, lasting change within the Canadian sport system takes time and collaboration. We remain encouraged by the government’s ongoing review of the sport landscape through the Future of Sport in Canada Commission, whose recommendations are currently being finalized. AthletesCAN is committed to continuing to advocate and work with the federal government to ensure that future investments help to shape a safer, more inclusive, and athlete-centred sport system. Athletes remain hopeful that upcoming budgets will reflect the level of ambition and support needed to make this vision a reality.

As discussions about the future of sport continue, AthletesCAN President and Olympic Gold Medalist, Susanne Wereley, affirmed that the organization will keep championing athlete priorities while strengthening partnerships across the system. “At AthletesCAN, our focus will always be on ensuring that athlete voices are heard, respected, and reflected in the decisions that shape our sport system. We value the relationship we’ve built with our government partners and will continue to work together to create meaningful change that puts athletes at the heart of Canadian sport – now and for generations to come.”

We know that 2026 will be a landmark year for Canadian sport, with the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Milano Cortina, the FIFA World Cup coming to Canada alongside the USA and Mexico, and a series of major international and national championship events on the horizon. Sport brings Canadians together. It unites communities, fuels national pride, and inspires the next generation to dream bigger.

As the government works to build a stronger, more resilient Canada, we believe that investing in athletes and the sport system must be part of that future. With the right support, sport can continue to elevate Canada on the world stage and empower Canadian athletes to achieve excellence.

AthletesCAN looks forward to collaborating with the government, the Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission, and the Canadian Paralympic Committee Athletes’ Council to ensure the future of sport in Canada supports and reflects the same ambition, momentum, and determination demonstrated by Canadian athletes every day.