At SportNL, we understand the importance of quality programs, services, and training so our members and sports communities can thrive.
That’s why we are so proud to host an event that pushes progress and collaboration in sport:
This event brings together like-minded sports individuals and organizations, all with a shared goal to further sports education, discuss hot topics, and gain expert advice from professionals from across the country.
Registration for the Summit is $60.00 per person. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register early but registration will remain open until we reach capacity. Fees must be paid in advance prior to the conference.
Registrants can also earn professional development credit through the Coaching Association of Canada (NCCP# required).
In our premier year, we are welcoming everyone to join us at the SportNL Summit West! Bringing a summit to the west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, SportNl will be bringing our members a series of workshops- hosted in Corner Brook.
The Summit will focus on the theme “Across Every Shore: Building Inclusive Sport in Newfoundland and Labrador”. Workshops will focus on supporting leaders who are an instrumental part of the Canadian sport landscape, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to foster environments that embrace inclusivity and strengthen their organization’s capacity to meet evolving needs. This is an in-person event.
Join us from November 7-8, 2025!
Connect with the sports community over good food, engaging conversation,
and enjoy our selection of skilled speakers.
Friday, November 7th, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Golfshotz Corner Brook)
Join our Meet and Greet for food and great conversation.
Saturday, November 18th, 8:00 am – 12:30pm (Greenwood Inn and Suites)
Join our Summit Workshop series, which will focus on equipping sport leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to better manage the complexities of building a inclusive sport environment.
The SportNL Summit West will have a dedicated, enthusiastic, and talented selection of speakers to engage and educate all!
Their skills range from mediation to cultural transformation and much more in between.
Session: Swap the Rule, Not the Person: Building Belonging in Sport and Community
Bringing powerful insights, we introduce Andrew Paris an Inclusion Consultant as a confirmed speaker at the 2025 SportNL Summit West! His leadership experience has included pivotal roles at prominent institutions such as Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic, Curling Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia.
In Andrew’s session, participants will explore what it means to “swap the rule, not the person,” identify barriers in their own contexts, and prototype small, achievable changes. Whether you’re a coach, volunteer, administrator, or leader, you’ll leave with a pathway towards creating environments where people don’t just participate, they feel like they truly belong.
Session: Tackling Bullying in Sport: Building Safe and Respectful Teams
We’re thrilled to announce Freya Szmidt from Dare to Care as a speaker for the 2025 SportNL Summit West! Freya is a former international athlete that represented England/ Great Britain in European Championships and World 3X3 Championships. Guided by leadership studies and mentorship under Cari Din, PhD, she developed a focus on psychological safety and relationship centered leadership.
This session will provide sport leaders, coaches, and volunteers with the tools to create safer, more inclusive team environments. Together, we’ll explore what bullying really is and the different forms it can take, build a common language to recognize and discuss it, and break down the culture of silence that allows harmful behaviours to persist.
Session: Indigenous Women and Sport Lived Experience in Rural Indigenous Communities
SportNL Summit West is honoured to introduce Valentina Nolan, a strong Mi’kmaq leader and Executive Director of the Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle Newfoundland and Labrador, as a session speaker for this year’s conference. With Dana, they bring their lived experiences as an Indigenous woman in rural sport to this session. Highlighting community driven initiatives like the You GO…Girl! program, they will explore how inclusive, culturally grounded programs can break long-standing systemic barriers and empower Indigenous women’s and girls to thrive
Session: Indigenous Women and Sport- Lived Experience in Rural Indigenous Communities
Adding to the conversation is Dana Morris of the Aborginal Sport and Recreation Circle Newfoundland and Labrador is a proud Mi’kmaq wife and mother, she was born, raised and resides in the close-knot Indigenous community of St. George’s on Newfoundland’s beautiful west coast. With a strong desire to create welcoming and inclusive spaces, Dana has become a passionate advocate for women and girl only programming. In her role as the Indigenous Women and Sport Facilitator and Manager of the You GO…Girl! community program with the Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle.
Your support for sport in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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