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:

The SportNL Summit!

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.

Register Today

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).

ABOUT

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.

The Event schedule is as follows:

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.

Presenters

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.

To Be Announced

Keynote Session

To Be Announced

Keynote Session

Joe Leszner 

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

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. 

Kelsey Balkwill

Kelsey Balkwill is the Programs and Operations Manager at the Inclusion in Canadian Sport Network, where she supports initiatives that advance inclusion, accessibility, and belonging across the Canadian sport system. Kelsey contributes to the development and delivery of programs, resources, and practical tools that help sport organizations and individuals create more inclusive environments.

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.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

OFFICIAL TRAVEL PARTNER

 


Thank You to Our community partners