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 $80.00 per person and $50.00 for students. 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).
Join us for our 5th annual SportNL Summit to bring our members an extensive series of workshops hosted in St. John’s and welcome to all!
The Summit will focus on the theme “Stronger Together — Shaping the Future of Sports and Recreation 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 November 14, 2026!
Connect with the sports community
over food, engaging conversation,
and enjoy our selection of skilled speakers.
Saturday, November 14th, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Health Innovation Acceleration Centre (HIAC)
66 Pippy Place, St. John’s
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.
Starting at 7:00 p.m. there will be a post-conference social that everyone is welcome to attend. Stay tuned for more details about this networking opportunity.
The SportNL Summit 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.
Keynote Session
Sarah Gallsworthy is an educator, facilitator, coach developer, and consultant who believes in the power of movement and connection to build healthier, more inclusive communities. Raised in British Columbia, she developed an early appreciation for active living that continues to shape her work in sport, recreation, education, and health.
As a proud member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, Sarah brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her commitment to inclusion and belonging. She helps organizations recognize barriers and create environments where people feel safe, seen, valued, and supported to participate.
With a diverse career spanning sport, education, recreation, and healthcare, Sarah found her calling in teaching and mentorship. She currently serves as a professor in the Fitness and Health Promotion and Police Foundations programs at Seneca College, helping students connect theory with practice and develop the confidence to lead.
Sarah is a Coach Developer with the Coaching Association of Ontario, a Master Learning Facilitator in Physical Literacy with Sport for Life, a Master Trainer with HIGH FIVE National, and the Training and Education Lead at INclusion INcorporated. Through her consulting and facilitation work, she supports team development, strategic planning, and organizational growth. She has contributed to provincial, territorial, and national initiatives focused on physical literacy, child development, inclusion, and quality participant experiences.
Victoria explores the foundations of allyship, inclusion, and representation in community and amateur sport. Participants will gain a practical understanding of how intersecting identities shape experiences in sport, why belonging matters beyond basic participation, and the role that coaches, volunteers, staff, and leaders play in creating welcoming environments for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, attendees will learn how to identify barriers, strengthen inclusive practices, and foster cultures where everyone can participate authentically and thrive. Inspired by the principles of accountability, equity, and community care, this session provides a starting point for organizations seeking to build safer, more inclusive sport spaces.
Joe Leszner is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC) with a Master’s Degree in Human Kinetics, specializing in mental performance consulting.
He is a Professional Member, both of the Canadian Sport Psychology Association, and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. He has supported athletes and teams through multiple World Cups, World Championships, and Olympic and Paralympic Games, enabling them to thrive in high-stakes situations. Joe is committed to helping individuals and organizations achieve optimal performance and well-being.
Toby Nwabuogor, a certified Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP), is a Co-Founder of CivicPlay.ai where he serves as Lead AI Educator and Safety Consultant.
Toby is also the author of AI for Recreation Professionals: How to Unlock the Most Powerful Tool You’re Not Using. As a speaker, consultant, and educator, Toby ultimately helps leaders in recreation and community services confidently learn to safely utilize AI.
His workshops focus on practical use-cases and responsible governance, making complex time-saving tech accessible for busy teams. Toby champions AI Literacy and Safe Adoption across Canada, drawing inspiration from his global experience for a human-centered approach to utilizing technology.
A former high-performance track and field athlete, Kelsey represented Canada internationally. Her athletic career included competing in the 400m and 400m hurdles, providing her with firsthand experience of the opportunities and challenges within Canadian sport. Today, Kelsey combines her athletic experience with her professional work in inclusion to support sport organizations in creating more welcoming and equitable environments. Kelsey is passionate about helping create sport environments where everyone feels welcomed, respected, valued, and able to participate and thrive.
Your support for sport in Newfoundland and Labrador.
© 2026 SportNL.
