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AthletesCAN partners with Level 52

Empowering athlete leaders through world-class leadership development

Toronto, ON (October 28, 2025) — AthletesCAN, the association of Canada’s national team athletes, is proud to announce a new partnership with Level 52, a globally recognized leader in leadership development and organizational culture transformation. Known for its science-backed approach and real-world impact, Level 52 equips professionals and executives with the tools to lead with authenticity, influence, and confidence, helping organizations unlock high performance through people-first leadership.

Through this new collaboration, Level 52 is providing AthletesCAN with 100 one year-long memberships to Level 52’s Peer-Learning Community, valued at $1,000 each, totaling $100,000 in-kind for 2026. The Peer-Learning Community offers athletes monthly access to a vibrant global network of leaders, live virtual sessions, and practical development tools designed to strengthen leadership capability, communication, and resilience.

“We’re thrilled to partner with AthletesCAN to deliver hands-on leadership training to their dynamic community of Canadian athletes,” said Gavin Harrison, Managing Partner, Strategy & Growth, Level 52 Inc. “It’s a natural alignment for Level 52 — much of the foundational work we do with executive leaders draws directly from the athlete’s mindset, helping shape how they show up for their teams, engage with new challenges, and lead with intention.”

To kick things off, AthletesCAN members have access to join a free trial period in November and December 2025, offering the chance to experience Level 52’s Peer-Learning Community before claiming one of the memberships for 2026.

In addition, AthletesCAN members that would like to enroll in Level 52’s flagship Accelerated Leadership Program (ALP), will receive a $1,000 credit towards the program — available for the Spring and Fall 2026 cohorts. 

Each month, AthletesCAN will also share Level 52’s free learning events and webinars, giving all athletes the opportunity to continue building key leadership skills throughout the year. 

“This partnership represents an incredible opportunity for athletes to strengthen their voices and continue growing as whole individuals – both on and off the field of play,” said Susanne Wereley, AthletesCAN President. “By connecting our members with Level 52’s development programs, we’re empowering them to lead with authenticity, confidence, and purpose in every aspect of their lives.” 

Through this partnership, AthletesCAN and Level 52 will provide national team athletes with valuable tools and learning experiences that foster personal growth, leadership development, and long-term success beyond sport. This shared commitment reflects both organizations’ dedication to building a stronger, more empowered athlete community that continues to shape the future of Canadian sport. 

Stay tuned to learn more on how you can take advantage of these exciting new opportunities.

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 Level 52

Level 52 is a global leadership development and organizational culture transformation firm that helps leaders show up with authenticity, courage, and purpose. Through science- backed programs, coaching, and experiential learning, Level 52 equips individuals and teams to navigate complexity, inspire trust, and drive meaningful results. From boardrooms to frontlines, Level52’s mission is to elevate leadership that transforms organizations — and the people within them.

Website: www.level52.ca

AthletesCAN announces 2025-26 Board of Directors

TORONTO, ON – AthletesCAN, the association of Canada’s national team athletes, is pleased to announce the appointment of its new board of directors for 2025-26 following the organization’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on October 5 in Calgary, AB. Tristan Burgoyne, Field Hockey – 3 year term, Grace Dafoe, Skeleton – 2 year term, and Mollie Jepsen, Para Alpine – 3 year term. 

Please join us in thanking our outgoing board members for their time, energy, and leadership to AthletesCAN – Cynthia Appiah, Bobsleigh, Chris De Sousa Costa, Karate  and Greg Stewart, Para Athletics / Sitting Volleyball. 

Throughout their term(s), they have played an integral role in advancing our mission — to unite and amplify the voices of Canada’s national team athletes — and in driving progress toward a more athlete-centered sport system. We are deeply grateful for their contributions, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours. 

Biographies of New AthletesCAN Directors

Tristan Burgoyne, Field Hockey

Tristan Burgoyne represented Canada as a goalie on the national field hockey team. He graduated with honours from the UBC Sauder School of Business and then started his career in TELUS’ Marketing Development Program, gaining expertise in strategy and growth. Tristan then served as Chief Operating Officer at Oat Couture Oatmeal Café, where he led the growth and operation. He has since founded his own company, Podium Mind, working closely with national team athletes to support the development of youth athletes across Canada. He is passionate about creating positive sports experiences for athletes at all levels. 

Grace Dafoe, Skeleton

Grace is a Canadian skeleton athlete who has proudly represented Canada internationally since 2014. Retiring from competition in January 2026, she is eager to give back to Canadian sport and strengthen athlete representation. Grace is passionate about community and works full-time for the non-profit Classroom Champions, supporting athlete-to-teacher connections that inspire students across North America. A lifelong advocate for sport, she brings a collaborative mindset and is committed to amplifying athlete voices and helping shape a stronger, more inclusive sport system as a member of the AthleteCAN board.

Mollie Jepsen, Para Alpine

Mollie Jepsen is a six-time Paralympic medalist and two-time Paralympic champion, having represented Canada at the PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games. Currently training toward the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games, Mollie continues to push the boundaries of excellence in sport.

A graduate with a Bachelor of Arts and Science, majoring in Sport Science, Mollie is passionate about performance both on and off the slopes — striving to become the best version of herself while pursuing success in athletic, academic, and professional arenas.

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 more information, please contact:

Jennifer Hopmans, OLY
Manager, Digital Marketing & Communications
AthletesCAN
613-526-4025 Ext. 224
[email protected]

AthletesCAN Celebrates Canadian Sport at the 48th Canadian Sport Awards

CALGARY, AB — AthletesCAN proudly hosted the 48th Canadian Sport Awards on October 3, 2025, celebrating excellence, leadership, and inspiration across the Canadian sport community.

Held at WinSport in Calgary, Alberta, the event brought together athletes, partners, and sport leaders from across the country to honour outstanding performances and achievements from the past year. The evening featured seven award presentations recognizing the accomplishments of Canada’s top athletes, journalists and advocates.

  • AthletesCAN Social Responsibility Award: Diana Matheson, Soccer
  • True Sport Award: Taylor de Boer, Volleyball
  • #AthleteVoice Award – Rep of the Year: Jacqueline Simoneau, Artistic Swimming
  • Bruce Kidd Leadership Award: Anastasia Bucsis, Speed Skating
  • Athlete Support Award: CAN Fund 
  • Game Plan Champion Award: Steph Currie, CSIO, Alpine
  • Randy Starkman Award for Leadership in Sports Journalism: Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press

Hosted by Anastasia Bucsis of CBC Sports, the celebration was livestreamed nationally on CBC Sports platforms, allowing fans and supporters across Canada to join in commemorating those who continue to elevate Canadian sport. 

The Canadian Sport Awards, first established in 1972, remain one of the country’s most prestigious athlete-driven recognitions, highlighting not only athletic excellence but also the values of integrity, inclusion, and leadership that define Canada’s sporting spirit.

Missed the live stream? Watch all the excitement and celebration on CBC:

2025 Nominees and Winners awarded at the 48th Canadian Sport Awards

AthletesCAN Social Responsibility Award

Jeff Clarke, Soccer. Jeff is a former professional soccer player, has used his platform in soccer to create meaningful change. From leading youth development programs and promoting inclusion, to building facilities, supporting underprivileged athletes, and fostering social initiatives that break down barriers, his contributions have transformed communities and lives. Through his leadership and service, Jeff embodies the power of sport to drive positive social impact.

Patrice Dagenais, Wheelchair Rugby. Patrice is a 4x Paralympian and silver medalist. He has used his platform in wheelchair rugby to create lasting social impact, championing diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level of the sport. From leading national and club programs, multiple women’s development camps and coaching initiatives, that lead to the newly formed Women’s National Development Team, to inspiring others through school and rehabilitation visits, his work is transforming the landscape of wheelchair rugby in Canada. His leadership and vision exemplify how sport can drive positive change and empower the next generation of athletes.

Diana Matheson, Soccer. Diana is a two-time Olympic bronze medalist that has dedicated herself to advancing women’s soccer in Canada, co-founding Project 8 to create opportunities for female players nationwide. She is now spearheading the launch of the Northern Super League, Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league, providing vital opportunities and visibility for women athletes. Her commitment to inclusion, equity, and growth makes her an inspiring role model for generations to come.

2025 AthletesCAN Social Responsibility Award Winner: Diana Matheson

True Sport Award

Taylor de Boer, Volleyball. Taylor is a Team Canada volleyball player and NCAA Division One athlete, was diagnosed at 17 with a rare autoimmune disease and fought her way back to international competition. She shares her story to bring hope, visibility, and strength to those facing adversity—showing that no challenge can silence the love of sport or the power of resilience. On and off the court, Taylor is a leader, advocate, and an inspiring role model that embodies the True Sport values.

Eric Furtado-Rodrigues, Wheelchair Rugby. Eric is a 2x paralympian who discovered wheelchair rugby after a life-changing spinal cord injury in 2009. Now captain of Canada’s national team, he leads with perseverance, fairness, and respect, and makes everyone around him feel seen, heard, and valued. Beyond the court, Eric uses his voice to champion inclusion, advocates for athlete representation, and inspires others through his kindness, integrity, and love for sport.

Ruby Stevens, Para Swimming & Wheelchair Rugby. Ruby’s journey has been filled with challenges from Autism, Epilepsy, and a rare progressive neurological disorder, yet through Para Swimming, and Wheelchair Rugby she found joy, resilience, and international success—most notably representing Canada at the 2023 Para PanAm Games, where she won gold and set a record. Despite setbacks and uncertainty, Ruby’s determination, kindness, and unwavering spirit make her a true role model who embodies the very best of sport, fairness, and inclusion.

 

2025 True Sport Award Winner: Taylor de Boer

#AthleteVoice Award – Rep of the Year

Melanie Labelle, Wheelchair Rugby. Melanie is a trailblazer in wheelchair rugby, using her voice to champion inclusion, equity, and athlete representation at every level of sport. A national team member since 2019, she is spearheading the creation of Canada’s first women’s national development team and proudly helps elevate the Paralympic movement as an ambassador and advocate. Through her leadership roles with Wheelchair Rugby Canada and her advocacy worldwide, Melanie is shaping a more inclusive and athlete-centered future for sport.

Jacqueline Simoneau, Artistic Swimming. Jacqueline is a two-time Olympian and world champion in artistic swimming, known for her tireless dedication to athlete advocacy, wellness, and ethical leadership. As a member of the Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission, an IOC Young Leader, and newly appointed to the World Aquatics Athletes’ Committee, she has elevated athlete voices and driven meaningful change in sport. From supporting athletes on the ground at major international events to leading vital conversations around integrity and mental health, Jacqueline continues to lead with empathy, courage, and vision.

Marielle Thompson, Alpine (Ski Cross). Marielle, is a two-time Olympic medallist in ski cross, Alpine Canada’s athlete rep and a member of the Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission. She exemplifies dedication to athlete advocacy. Despite a challenging season of injury and recovery, she has remained unwavering in her commitment to elevating athlete voices, while working tirelessly behind the scenes to create a better sport environment for her alpine teammates and fellow athletes. Her resilience and leadership continue to inspire those around her.

 

2025 #AthleteVoice Award – Rep of the Year Winner: Jacqueline Simoneau

Bruce Kidd Leadership Award

Anastasia Buscsis, Speed Skating. Anastasia is a 2x Winter Olympian in Speed Skating, she has become an inspiring leader, changemaker, advocate, and storyteller off the ice. Known for her courage and authenticity—having been the only openly gay athlete from North America at the Sochi 2014 Olympics—she now uses her platform at CBC Sports to create inclusive spaces where athletes can share their true experiences. Through her work, Anastasia continues to champion equity, inclusion, and the importance of showing up as your authentic self, inspiring athletes and Canadians alike, making sport a safer place for all.

Michaela Widmer, Skeleton. Micaela is a former skeleton national team athlete and is now the Skeleton Development Lead with Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton. She is a passionate and transformative leader dedicated to growing and reshaping skeleton in Canada. Through her work developing youth programs, increasing access for girls, and fostering a safe, inclusive, athlete-centered culture, she has inspired countless athletes to pursue their dreams. Her leadership, both nationally and internationally, reflects a deep commitment to holistic athlete development, lasting change, and the values of inclusion and excellence.

Dr. Erin Willson, Artistic Swimming. Erin is an Olympian in artistic swimming and a tireless advocate for athlete rights, widely recognized across the sport system for her work amplifying the athlete voice. Since retiring from competition, she has become a trailblazer in safe sport advocacy and research, earning a PhD from the University of Toronto, leading AthletesCAN as board member and past president, and using her expertise to help National Sport Organizations and Multisport Service Organizations, create safer, more inclusive, and athlete-centered environments across Canada.

 

2025 Bruce Kidd Leadership Award Winner: Anastasia Bucsis

Athlete Support Award

B2ten. B2ten has spent the past 20 years empowering Canadian athletes to reach their full Olympic potential by providing targeted, behind-the-scenes support that fills gaps in the underfunded amateur sport system. Led by former athlete and coach Dominick Gauthier and businessman JD Miller, the organization has strategically deployed tens of millions of dollars from private donors to enhance training, competition environments, and integrated support services. Their individualized, high-impact approach has helped countless athletes excel on the world stage, including recent investments in Speed Skating Canada’s high-performance programs for 2026 Winter Olympic hopefuls.

CAN Fund. The Canadian Athletes Now Fund, is a charitable organization that has supported Canadian athletes with direct funding for over 20 years. Spanning 11 Olympic and 11 Paralympic Games, CAN Fund provides $8,000 per athlete to help cover coaching, training, travel, equipment, and living expenses, empowering athletes to pursue their dreams without financial barriers. Through innovative fundraising initiatives, CAN Fund has raised over $50 million, giving Canadian donors the name of the athlete they support and helping those athletes achieve their full potential on the world stage.

Smith School of Business at Queen’s University. The Smith School of Business is partnered with the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee, the school welcomed a record number of Olympians and Paralympians into its graduate programs in the 2024/2025 season, offering tailored academic pathways, scholarships, and flexible learning environments that accommodate the unique demands of high-performance sport. By investing in athletes’ futures beyond competition, the Smith School of Business ensures Canadian athletes are supported in building meaningful careers alongside their sporting achievements.

 

2025 Athlete Support Award Winner: CAN Fund

Game Plan Champion Award

2025 Game Plan Champion Award Winner: Steph Currie

Randy Starkman Award for Leadership in Sports Journalism

2025 Randy Starkman Award for Leadership in Sports Journalism Winner: Donna Spencer

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 more information, please contact:

Jennifer Hopmans
Manager, Digital Marketing & Communications
AthletesCAN
613-526-4025 Ext. 224
[email protected]

Watch the 2025 Canadian Sport Awards Live!

The 48th Canadian Sport Awards are live tonight from Calgary at 7:00 PM MT! Tune in to join us for an unforgettable evening full of storytelling, recognition, and celebration! 

Ways to watch the Canadian Sport Awards live

CBC Player

CBC Gem 

The live stream is proudly sponsored by

2025 AthletesCAN Board Of Directors Election Now Open

Voting for AthletesCAN’s Board of Directors is now open! AthletesCAN has three (3) total positions up for election this year; two (2) Director positions each with 3-year terms and one (1) Director position with a 2-year term. 

The election period runs from 9:00am ET, Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 to 8:00pm ET on Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 All members of AthletesCAN as of 11:59pm ET on Saturday, September 7th, 2025 are eligible to vote for up to two (2) candidates.

The newly-elected directors will be announced at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, October 5th, 2025 at the AthletesCAN Forum in Calgary, Alberta.

2025-26 AthletesCAN Board of Directors Candidates

Tristan Burgoyne (He/Him)

Sport: Field Hockey
Primary Place of Residence: British Columbia
Athlete Status: Recently Retired Senior National Team Athlete for less than 8 years

Bio : Tristan Burgoyne represented Canada as a goalie on the national field hockey team. He graduated with honours from the UBC Sauder School of Business and then started his career in TELUS’ Marketing Development Program, gaining expertise in strategy and growth. Tristan then served as Chief Operating Officer at Oat Couture Oatmeal Café, where he led the growth and operation. He has since founded his own company, Podium Mind, working closely with national team athletes to support the development of youth athletes across Canada. He is passionate about creating positive sports experiences for athletes at all levels. 

Why do you wish to represent the voice of Canada’s senior national team athletes as a member of AthletesCAN’s Board of Directors? I am a recently retired field hockey senior national team athlete and I was really fortunate in my career that I also got to spend a lot of time developing my professional career. I’m so excited by the opportunity to take everything I’ve learned professionally in business and apply it to AthletesCAN Board of Directors if I am elected. I started my career at Telus and jumped to being a Chief Operating Officer after that and have been building my own company in the sport space working with senior national team athletes. I’ve absolutely loved being able to contribute to a positive sport environment in Canada and that’s what really excites me about the opportunity to be on the AthletesCAN Board of Directors. I hope to be able to take the skill set that I built as a business leader and apply it when it comes to driving awareness and driving for important changes that have a positive impact on Canadian senior national team athletes.

What is your vision for AthletesCAN and how do you feel you’d contribute as a Board member? My vision when it comes to being a part of the AthletesCAN Board of Directors is to support a world-class advocacy that already exists but be able to support it adapting in a fast-paced changing environment today and ensuring that we’re driving forward positive change for our senior national team athletes. I was really fortunate to start my career at Telus in a High Performance Marketing program where I learned a really strong skill set in creating and executing on strategy that drove positive change. I then went from there to being a restaurant Chief Operating Officer and had to take that same skill set and apply it in a resource constrained environment. Over my career, I’ve been in business, and I felt a strong kind of skill set and the opportunity to apply it to the AthletesCAN Board of Directors and support our national team is something that I’m really excited about.

Grace Dafoe (She/Her)

Sport: Skeleton
Primary Place of Residence: Alberta
Athlete Status: Current Senior National Team Member

Bio: Grace is a Canadian skeleton athlete who has proudly represented Canada internationally since 2014. Retiring from competition in January 2026, she is eager to give back to Canadian sport and strengthen athlete representation. Grace is passionate about community and works full-time for the non-profit Classroom Champions, supporting athlete-to-teacher connections that inspire students across North America. A lifelong advocate for sport, she brings a collaborative mindset and is committed to amplifying athlete voices and helping shape a stronger, more inclusive sport system as a member of the AthleteCAN board.


Why do you wish to represent the voice of Canada’s senior national team athletes as a member of AthletesCAN’s Board of Directors? I’m interested in joining the AthletesCAN Board of Directors because I want to be a part of the next generation of sport and help make an impact because I know sport has changed my life and I want to help give back to the next generation and shape the Canadian sport system moving forward.

 

What is your vision for AthletesCAN and how do you feel you’d contribute as a Board member: I spent the last 14 years navigating ice going down an ice track and am approaching retirement in the upcoming few months and I would love to join the AthletesCAN board so I can help be an advocate for sport and help move sport forward from a different lens and different perspective. I’m deeply passionate and I’m a hard worker and would love to join your board and just be a part of having a seat at the table in advancing sport in Canada and making things easier for the next generation.

 

Mollie Jepsen (She/Her/Hers)

Sport: Para-Alpine Skiing
Primary Place of Residence: British Columbia
Athlete Status: Current Senior National Team Member

Bio: My name is Mollie Jepsen! I am a 6 time Paralympic Medalist and two time Paralympic Champion from the PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022 Paralympic Games. I am currently working towards the Milano Cortina Paralympic Games this coming March. I hold a Bachelors degree in arts and science, majoring in sport science. I enjoy competing at the highest levels and becoming the best version of myself as well as pursuing excellence in academic and professional spaces.

Why do you wish to represent the voice of Canada’s senior national team athletes as a member of AthletesCAN’s Board of Directors? I am a current competing para alpine skier and I have been for the last 10 years, and I represented Canada at the Beijing and Pyeongchang Paralympic Games and I’m pursuing the Milano Cortina Games. I’ve had a lot of experience, both good and bad, in sport and I really believe in an athlete-centered and focused support system. I’m pursuing a spot on the AthletesCAN to hopefully help out these voices be heard and build a better future for athletes

What is your vision for AthletesCAN and how do you feel you’d contribute as a Board member: I have had lots of experience in seeing first hand the struggles that athletes go through, and all of the good, and I’m pursuing a spot on the AthletesCAN Board of Directors to help ensure we are creating an athlete centered and focused system so that all athletes voices can be heard. I think the most important thing is that we create a space where athletes are heard and seen,and we create a better future for everyone moving forward. With all my experience I’m hoping that I can bring that to the table. I think I also have a very unique experience coming from a paralympic and able body side of sport that I’ve competed in both most of my life.

Call for Nominations for the AthletesCAN Board of Directors

Are you enthusiastic, passionate and committed to improving sport in Canada as an athlete leader? If you answered yes, AthletesCAN has an opportunity for you! 

AthletesCAN has three (3) director positions available for election this year; two (2) director positions each with 3-year terms and one (1) director position with a 2-year term. Our Board of Directors is made up of current and retired Canadian athletes who are driven to effect positive change and to ensure the athlete voice is heard.

All interested candidates must complete a nomination form (click here) by 8:00pm ET Tuesday, September 19th, 2025.

For more information on current Directors and how to submit your nomination, please click here. For the Director role description, please click here.

AthletesCAN is hiring!

AthletesCAN is hiring a Manager, Athlete Projects & Operations to join our team on a full-time basis for a parental leave replacement. This staff member is responsible for providing effective support to AthletesCAN staff, Board, members, alumni and volunteers as well as leading the management of AthletesCAN’s organizational operations, administrative activities, programs, services and events.

More information on the position including the job description, start date and reporting structure can be found by clicking the “Full Posting” button below. 

Interested candidates should e-mail their resume and cover letter format by 11:59PM PT on August 13, 2025, to Susanne Wereley, President, at [email protected] with “Manager, Athlete Projects & Operations” in the subject line.

Announcing 2025 AthletesCAN Forum

AthletesCAN is proud to announce the 2025 AthletesCAN Forum and the 48th Canadian Sport Awards will be held in Calgary, October 3–5, 2025, at WinSport, one of Canada’s premier sport facilities.

A key legacy venue from the 1988 Winter Olympics, WinSport continues to play a vital role in Canadian sport as a hub for international events and athlete development. The venue will also allow athlete representatives at the Forum to maintain their training throughout the conference. 

The AthletesCAN Forum is the largest and most inclusive gathering of Canada’s national team athlete leaders outside of competition. This year’s theme will be “Elevating Athlete-Centered Sport. Unify, Accelerate & Apply. The Forum will feature interactive workshops, seminars, and presentations designed to empower athlete leaders, enhance understanding of the Canadian sport system, and foster collaboration across sport disciplines.

Forum attendance is targeted at Athlete Representatives from each of the 68 sports eligible for AthletesCAN membership. Additional details, including the program schedule and registration information, will be announced in the coming weeks. Nominations for the 48th Canadian Sport Awards are now open

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, OLY
Manager, Digital Marketing & Communications
AthletesCAN
613-526-4025 Ext. 224
[email protected]

Nominations for 48th Canadian Sport Awards Now Open

Nominations for the 48th Canadian Sport Awards now open! 

AthletesCAN is thrilled to announce the opening of the nomination period for the 48th Canadian Sport Awards. The 2025 edition of the awards will take place on October 3rd 2025 at Winsport in Calgary, Alberta. These awards, founded in 1972 by modern day co-founders True Sport, Canadian Centre for Ethics and Sport, Canada Games Council, Commonwealth Sport Canada, and AthletesCAN, have a rich history of celebrating excellence and hard work in the Canadian Sport System. These awards recognize athletes, journalists, and sport supporters and the hand that all of them have in the success of our canadian athletes.

The awards to be presented in 2025 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 Sport Award

To nominate someone for a Canadian Sport Award, you can submit this google form or email this application and supporting documents to [email protected]. For additional details or historical information on the Canadian Sport Awards, visit this link.

The deadline for submitting a nomination is July 31, 2025.

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:

Alicia Renaud-Paquin
Manager, Athlete Relations & Marketing
AthletesCAN
613-526-4025 Ext. 224
[email protected]

AthletesCAN Statement on The Appointment of New Secretary of State for Sport

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement on the Appointment of New Secretary of State for Sport
May 15, 2025

TORONTO – AthletesCAN, the association of Canada’s national team athletes, released the following statement Thursday regarding the appointment of The Honourable Adam Van Koeverden as Secretary of State for Sport:

“On behalf of Canada’s national team athletes, we congratulate Secretary of State Van Koeverden, a 4-time Olympian and and multiple Olympic and World Championship Medallist in the sport of Canoe-Kayak, on his appointment to the role of Secretary of State for Sport. 

Secretary van Koeverden has long been a champion for athletes and an advocate for equity, inclusion, and accountability in sport. His firsthand experience as an elite athlete gives him unique insight into the challenges and opportunities within our sport system.

His steadfast commitment and support of the sport system and physical activity for all has helped us build a strong, athlete-centred sport system where athlete voices are heard. His work as the Parliamentary Secretary with Minister St-Onge helped to create a more transparent, accountable, and safe sport experience and we look forward to continuing to work with him to build an even stronger and safer, sport system for all.

As an athlete, van Koeverden inspired Canadians on the world stage, earning Olympic gold, silver, and bronze medals, and proudly representing Team Canada at four consecutive Olympic Games. As a parliamentarian, he has continued to elevate the importance of physical activity, sport participation, and ethical leadership in Canadian communities.

We are encouraged by his appointment and remain committed to working collaboratively with Secretary van Koeverden to build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive sport system for all Canadians.”

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:

Alicia Renaud-Paquin
Manager, Athlete Relations & Marketing
AthletesCAN
613-526-4025 Ext. 224
[email protected]