Keynotes and early-bird registration for the 2018 Summit

Victoria, B.C. – Early-bird registration is now open for the 2018 Sport for Life Canadian Summit, which takes place January 23-25 in Gatineau, Quebec. The theme of this year’s Summit is “Working Together”. If we want to give participants in sport and physical activity the best possible chance to succeed, then we must ensure collaboration within the sport system and across the recreation, education and health sectors.

As well, we are excited to announce our first two keynote presenters! The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) have both experienced impressive results over the past few years. Since 2010, Team USA has topped the overall medal counts at the 2010, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, and won the most medals at any Olympic Winter Games held outside North America in 2014. Since 2011, the CFC has achieved widespread collective impact across Canada and advanced various initiatives and partnerships that have helped make Canada a better place. The common thread between these organizations is vision; both welcomed far-sighted innovators into leadership roles. You can hear these leaders – Alan Ashley, Chief of Sport Performance for the USOC, and Ian Bird, President of the CFC – deliver keynote presentations at the Summit.

Ashley was named Chief of Sport Performance for the USOC on Sept. 1, 2010, after previously serving as managing director of sport performance since January 2010. Ashley oversees the USOC divisions tasked with providing targeted resources and support to the National Governing Bodies and top athletes competing internationally in pursuit of sustained competitive excellence. Hear him discuss how the American Development Model – adapted from the Long-Term Athlete Development Framework – has been modified, implemented and embraced by sports in the U.S.

A two-time Olympian in field hockey, Ian was well known in the sport community for his ability to bring groups together to affect change. He quickly began doing the same at CFC after joining in 2011. From expanding the organization’s circle of champions to include new voices and expertise, to building new partnerships based on common interests and outcomes, Bird has worked hard to find new ways for the movement to address complex community issues. Bird will explain how sport can draw on the strengths of philanthropy and the assets of a community to strengthen our social fabric and build belonging for all.

Early bird registration for the Summit will be open until Nov. 12. To register, view the brief program, book accommodation or secure an exhibitor booth, visit sportforlife.ca/summit.

The Sport for Life Canadian Summit

The Sport for Life Canadian Summit brings together leaders who work to enhance the quality of sport and physical activity in Canada. Sport for Life recognizes that quality sport and physical literacy offer rich benefits to Canadian society through improved health, stronger communities, higher sporting achievement, and stronger national identity. By improving sport, the Sport for Life Society aims to improve the lives of all Canadians.

For more information contact:
Tyler Laing
Communications Coordinator, Sport for Life Society
tyler@sportforlife.ca